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Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 394/October-December 1993.

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

Builders for God

Principal Contributor

Frank Holbrook



Going Home

Editor

Erwin R.

Gane



Always Available

Associate Editor



A Second Attempt

Lyndelle Chiomenti

Assistant Editor



Living by the Word



Charlotte Ishkanian

Art and Design



Mixed Marriages

Lars Justinen

Building in Faith

The Adult Sabbath School

Lessons are prepared by the

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

There Shines a Star



A Patriot's Vision

Pacific Press Coordinator

Jerry D. Thomas

Contents

Meet the Principal Contributor

to This Quarter's Lessons

Frank B. Holbrook served as associate director of the Biblical

Research Institute at the General Conference from 1981 until

his retirement in 1990.

Elder Holbrook received a bachelor of arts from Washington

Missionary College, a master of arts from Potomac University,

and bachelor of divinity and master of theology degrees from

Andrews University. He was ordained in 1954. He served as a

pastor, evangelist, academy Bible teacher, and professor of

religion at Southern Missionary College before joining the Bib-

lical Research Institute.

Elder Holbrook served as editor of the Daniel and Revela-

tion Series, a seven-volume, ten-year project investigating the

prophecies of these books and the sanctuary doctrine con-

tained in them. He has written several Sabbath School lesson

quarterlies and numerous articles for leading Adventist publi-

cations.

Elder Holbrook and his wife, Donna, a former schoolteacher,

have three adult children.

Check with your local Adventist Book

Center for the companion book to the

Sabbath School lessons.

God's Builders

Messages from Ezra and Nehemiah

Political plots, social and economic unrest. Headlines from

today's newspaper? Yes. But they also describe events in the

books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These books also tell of brave

Jewish patriots who faced huge obstacles. Through prayer and

grace they reestablished the remnant of Israel as a group dedi-

cated to fulfilling God's will for them. Their courage and re-

solve have a message for the "remnant" church today.

The common theme that runs through Ezra and Nehemiah

(considered one book by the Jews) is "building." Zerubbabel

labored to build a temple. Nehemiah restored a city's walls and

gates. Ezra and Nehemiah reestablished Israel as a theocracy.

This common theme of "building" touches upon other themes,

including revival, obedience to God's law, prayer, church unity,

and leadership.

During the times of Ezra and Nehemiah the political struc-

tures of the Near East tumbled; Babylonian might crumbled

before the victorious armies of Cyrus. The bonds of exile sud-

denly dropped away as Persian kings permitted God's people

to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, capital, and

political economy.

"Although the double book Ezra-Nehemiah does not claim

to have been written in its entirety by Ezra, there is nothing in it

which could not have been written by him."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

vol. 3, p. 319. Because Ezra was a scribe, it would not

have been unusual for him to preserve for posterity the far-

reaching events of his time.

OUTLINE OF EZRA-NEHEMIAH

Return of the Jews Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1-2:70).

II.

Rebuilding the Temple Begins (Ezra 3:1-4:24).

III.

Completing the Temple (Ezra 5:1-6:22).

IV.

Return of More Jews Under Ezra (Ezra 7:1-8:36).

Ezra Deals With Mixed Marriages (Ezra 9:1-10:44).

VI.

Nehemiah Learns of Jerusalem's Plight (Neh. 1:1-2:11).

VII.

Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls (Neh. 2:12-6:19).

VIII.

Reading and Explaining the Law (Neh. 7:1-8:18).

IX.

Renewing the Covenant (Neh. 9:1-10:39).

Dedicating Jerusalem's Walls (Neh. 11:1-12:43).

XI.

Arranging for Temple Services (Neh. 12:44-47).

XII.

Nehemiah's Second Period as Governor (Neh. 13:1-31).

Lesson 1



September 26-October 2

Builders for God

rimm

I•') !

Sabbath

Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 2:1, 2; 3:8; 7:6, 11;

Neh. 1:11; 5:14; 8:1, 2; Dan. 8:2-4, 20; Haggai 1:1.

MEMORY TEXT: "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,

Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I,

Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8).

KEY QUESTIONS: Who is a builder for God? Why can

ordinary persons do great deeds for God and others?

TRUE BUILDERS. In 1976, an earthquake devastated Gua-

temala City, leaving thousands of children without families.

At the request of Elder Robert Folkenberg, then president of

the Adventist work in Central America, Ken and Alcyon Fleck

organized an orphanage. "After visiting Guatemala, . . . Alcyon

Fleck concluded that 'there were so many starving, lonely

children, I just couldn't leave them all there with no hope for

the future.'

"—Mission

(first quarter, 1992), p. 19. Since then,

the Flecks' organization, International Children's Care, has

established orphanages in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica,

Honduras, Mexico, and Romania. The Flecks are true builders

for God.

In our lesson this week we will study the characteristics of

several persons who were great builders for God—persons

who led captive Israel out of Babylonian captivity, then as-

sisted in the reconstruction of God's remnant people.

Sunday



September 26

PANORAMA OF THE PERSIAN PERIOD (Dan. 8:2-4, 20).

Read the visions recorded in Daniel 2:32, 37-39; 7:5; and

8:2-4. These visions indicated that the kingdom succeeding

Babylon would be a combination of two political powers: the

Medes and the Persians. The bear, raising itself on one side,

and the two horns of the ram, one higher than the other,

symbolized this dual nature. The prophecy forecast the even-

tual dominance of Persia. Read in Daniel 5:1, 5, 24-28, 30 how

Belshazzar was informed about the collapse of Babylon to the

Medes and Persians.

"In that last night of mad folly, Belshazzar and his lords

had filled up the measure of their guilt and the guilt of the

Chaldean kingdom."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 530.

What remarkable prophecy, written 150 years earlier, was

fulfilled on the night Babylon fell, thus preparing the way

for the revival of the Jewish nation? Isa. 44:27, 28; 45:1-5; see

also Jer. 51:30-32.

The Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon state that

the armies of Cyrus changed the flow of the Euphrates River

so that his troops could enter Babylon on the old river bed.

The river gates, being open because of the night's festivities,

permitted the attackers to enter the city without opposition.

Seven books of the Bible either refer to the first five or six

emperors of the Persian Empire or focus on the experience of

God's people during their rule (Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther,

Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). While these scriptures cover the

experiences of Israel during the 100 years following their

return from captivity, the Persian Empire itself lasted for a

little over 200 years. Surely this empire had an important part

in God's plan to prepare the world for the Messiah's coming.

What similarities for the spread of the gospel do you see

between the fall of ancient Babylon and the present politi-

cal climate of Eastern Europe and China?

When world affairs seem out of control, why is it good to

recall such prophecies as Daniel 8:2-4 and Jeremiah 51:30,

31?

Monday



September 27

ZERUBBABEL: TEMPLE BUILDER (Ezra 3:8).

Old Testament prophets compared the exodus from Babylon

with the Exodus from Egypt (Isa. 11:11, 12, 16). Look for these

similarities as you continue your study.

Whom did Cyrus, the Persian king, appoint as governor

over the Jews, charging him to rebuild the temple? Ezra

5:13-16. Why might the king have chosen him?

Most Bible references acknowledge Zerubbabel as gover-

nor and builder of the temple (Haggai 1:1; 2:21). The name

Sheshbazzar is probably a name by which he was known to

the Babylonians and Persians. Remember that Daniel's cap-

tors gave him and his companions other names (Dan. 1:7). A

"prince of Judah," Zerubbabel was a grandson of Jehoiachin

(Jeconiah), the king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar took

into captivity after only three months on the throne in 597

B.C. (1 Chron. 3:17-19; 2 Kings 24:8-16).

Cyrus probably chose Zerubbabel with the thought that the

Jews would rally around a "prince of the blood." But we have

no reason to think that he was a man of great wealth or

extraordinary ability. After all, he was an exile of a defunct

nation. Yet he must have enjoyed the confidence of his kins-

men in captivity. They would have respected him as a descen-

dant of the old Jewish nobility and the Davidic house.

What major tasks did Cyrus give to Zerubbabel? Ezra

5:13-16.

God appointed Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Micah 6:4) to

lead Israel from Egypt to Canaan. In Israel's second exodus

(from Babylon), Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the

high priest, led out in a similar manner. Assisted by 10 others

(Ezra 2:2), Zerubbabel organized nearly 50,000 persons and

more than 8,000 animals to travel from Babylon to Judah (Ezra

2:64-67), a trek that took four months. And just as Moses and

the Israelites built the sanctuary, so did Zerubbabel and the

exiles from Babylon rebuild the temple.

How are you a prince or princess of the blood? (See Eph

1:3-5.)

Can God depend upon you as He depended upon

Zerubbabel?

Tuesday



September 28

JOSHUA: HIGH PRIEST AND INTERCESSOR (Ezra 2:2;

Haggai 1:1).

Joshua, Zerubbabel's associate, was another of God's timely

"builders." What claim did he have to his position? Ezra 3:2;

Haggai 1:1; 1 Chron. 6:3-15.

Joshua traced his lineage back to Aaron through Aaron's

son Eleazar. Cyrus evidently chose Joshua to be the high

priest of the new temple, since he was the legitimate person

for the office according to Mosaic law.

What assurance did God give Joshua and the returned

exiles in response to Joshua's prayers on behalf of the na-

tion? Zech. 3:1-7.

"As the intercession of Joshua is accepted, the command is

given, 'Take away the filthy garments from him;' and to Joshua

the Angel says, 'Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass

from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.' So

they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with

garments.' . . . His own sins and those of his people were

pardoned. Israel was clothed with 'change of raiment'—the

righteousness of Christ imputed to them. The miter placed

upon Joshua's head was such as were worn by the priests, and

bore the inscription, 'Holiness to the Lord,' signifying that

notwithstanding his former transgressions, he was now quali-

fied to minister before God in His sanctuary."—Prophets

and

Kings,

p. 584.

Local opposition from the Samaritans and political opposi-

tion in the empire hindered the work on the temple until it

stopped altogether. In discouragement the people turned to

their own interests for sixteen years (Haggai 1:2-4).

What finally aroused Joshua and Zerubbabel to encour-

age the people to return to their work on the Lord's temple?

Ezra 5:1, 2 (compare Haggai 1:1-8, 12; Zech. 4:1-10).

Joshua and Zerubbabel

willingly responded to the coun-

sels of the prophets. Likewise, God has given us counsels and

encouragement through the prophet Ellen White. How has

this gift assisted you in your relationship with the Saviour?

Wednesday



September 29

EZRA: PRIEST AND SCRIBE OF THE LAW (Ezra 7:6, 11).

About 80 years after the first group of Jews had returned to

Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, Ezra

led a second migration estimated to have numbered about

8,000.

How does Ezra identify himself and his work? Ezra 7:1-5,

11.

"Born of the sons of Aaron, Ezra had been given a priestly

training; and in addition to this he had acquired a familiarity

with the writings of the magicians, the astrologers, and the

wise men of the Medo-Persian realm. But he was not satisfied

with his spiritual condition. He longed to be in full harmony

with God; he longed for wisdom to carry out the divine will.

And so he 'prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and

to do it.'. . . Ezra's heart was stirred. He experienced a new

and thorough conversion, and determined to master the records

of sacred history that he might use this knowledge to bring

blessing and light to his people."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 608.

How did Ezra begin to make the Word of God a promi-

nent force in the life of the emerging nation? Neh. 8:1-3.

"What is strikingly apparent is the royal reception given to

the Word of God. This day was to prove a turning-point.

From now on the Israelites would be predominantly 'the people

of a book.' At the dedication of Solomon's Temple there had

been glory and beauty, natural and supernatural, to over-

whelm the worshippers. Here the focus, apart from a wooden

platform, was a scroll—or more exactly, what was written in

it. Its opening brought the people to their feet."—Derek Kidner,

Ezra & Nehemiah,

Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries

(Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1979), pp. 105, 106.

The greatness of Ezra's influence lay in his passion foi

studying God's Word so he would know his Lord. List some

factors that help us develop a hunger for Bible study. Iden-

tify some things that take away our desire for the Word.

What could you do this week to become a better student of

the Book?

Thursday



September 30

NEHEMIAH: GOVERNOR AND KING'S HELPER (Neh. 1:11;

5:14).

Twelve or 13 years after Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, the new

Persian king, Artaxerxes I, appointed Nehemiah as governor

of Judah (Neh. 5:14).

What did Nehemiah do in the king's court? Neh. 1:11.

According to Herodotus, the Greek historian, the office of

cupbearer was a great honor. It was the responsibility of this

officer to protect the monarch from being poisoned. That

Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer indicates that he was a

man of integrity. In God's providence, both Ezra and Nehemiah

were trained in the court of Persia for their major roles in

reestablishing God's people in Judah.

What admirable characteristics of Nehemiah can you iden-

tify? Neh. 1:3, 4, 11; 2:17.

Nehemiah was a man of deep piety who grieved for the

plight of God's people in Jerusalem. But this grief did not

cause him to act without thinking. Having considered all the

options, he carefully laid his plans."

"As important as the news itself is the manner of Nehemiah's

reaction to it. Despite having the ear of the

king,

and the fact

that . . . he himself is by disposition a man of

action,

he turns

first to

God

and to

prayer."—J.

G. McConville,

Ezra, Nehemiah,

and Esther

(Edinburgh, Scotland: The Saint Andrew Press,

1985), p. 75.

How do you react to troubling news or situations? Do you

pray immediately? Of what advantage would prayer be in

such circumstances?

"To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a

resource at the command of the Christian. . . . In every cir-

cumstance, under every condition, the soul weighed down

with grief and care, or fiercely assailed by temptation, may

find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love and

power of a covenant-keeping

God."—Prophets and Kings,

pp.

631, 632.

Friday



October 1

FURTHER STUDY: This week we saw that God has builders

to match the times. Read Genesis 6:13, 14, 22; Luke 1:26-38;

Acts 8:26-40. (1) In each set of texts, who is the "builder"? (2)

What made him/her a "builder" for God? (3) What traits of

Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah did each display?

Read "Not by Might, nor by Power" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp.

593-597.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you see things that need to change in your church?

How can you accomplish this as Nehemiah did without

being abrasive and harsh?

Recite this week's Memory Text. When the Lord asks,

"Whom shall I send?" are you quick to respond, "Send

me"? How can you be a builder for God?

SUMMARY: God has His "builders." Humble, sensitive to

the counsels of the prophetic gift, deep students of the Word,

persons of faith, earnest prayer, and action, God's builders

from all walks of life hear His call in the great needs of His

people and give of themselves wholeheartedly to meet the

challenges.

Lesson 2



October 3-9

Going Home

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 1, 2.

MEMORY TEXT: "When the Lord turned again the cap-

tivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was

our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with sing-

ing" (Psalm 126:1, 2).

KEY QUESTION:

Permission to return to Judah surprised

and excited the exiles, yet only a minority actually went home.

Likewise, God's people will be delirious with happiness when

Jesus appears in glory. What preparation is necessary for you

to take part in heaven's homecoming?

A DREAM COME TRUE.

On November 12, 1989, a crane

yanked sections of concrete out of the Berlin Wall as a dentist

extracts decayed teeth. Minutes later, Bernd and Cornelia

Platt from East Germany walked through the gap. "It's like

realizing a dream," Bernd said. Yet with the freedom to move

now a real choice, these young professionals decided to con-

tinue living where they had been. The security of home and

jobs kept them from moving.

When the winds of strife brought immense changes in the

Near East in 539 B.C., the Jewish exiles suddenly found them-

selves able to return to Judah. Most, however, chose to re-

main in Babylon because they had grown comfortable in their

communities. This week we will focus on those who decided

to make the dream of returning home come true.

Sunday



October 3

PRAYER PREPARATION (Dan. 9:1-19).

Daniel's name does not appear in the books of Ezra and

Nehemiah, but therein we may trace his fingerprints. Above

all, his earnest, intercessory prayers pervade the records of

Ezra 1.

How did the onset of the Medo-Persian kingdom affect

Daniel? Dan. 9:1-3 (see also Jer. 29:10-14).

Daniel and his Hebrew friends often must have pondered

Israel's destiny. How could they tell others about the Messiah

while those others were still apostatizing? How could Jerusa-

lem become their missionary center while they were still in

captivity? Daniel himself was in the first group of captives

taken to Babylon (605 B.C.), and the ascension of Darius the

Mede to the former throne of Babylon prompted him to restudy

Jeremiah's prophecies.

What was the substance of Daniel's prayer? Dan. 9:4-15,

20.

Daniel was not a priest, "but it is one of the glories of

Scripture that no special permission is required for interces-

sion on behalf of others. . . . Thanks to the study of 'the books'

and the habit of prayer three times a day, . . . the instructed

Jew was not at a loss when he came to put his prayer into

words."—Joyce G. Baldwin,

Daniel,

Tyndale Old Testament

Commentaries (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1978),

p. 165.

Why did Daniel earnestly desire God to honor His prom-

ise to restore Israel after 70 years? Dan. 9:18, 19.

Daniel expresses no selfish interest in his prayer. His con-

cern is for the honor of God. Even though the sinful people of

Israel have brought reproach and embarrassment upon the

nation, it is really the true God they have dishonored before

the pagan world.

Are you in a situation that is holding you captive? How

can Israel's captivity and release help you?

Monday



October 4

PERSIAN PERMISSION (Ezra 1:1-4).

Although Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.,

he remained the power behind the throne of Darius the Mede

for more than a year. He issued his decree for the Jews to

rebuild the temple at Jerusalem in the summer of 537 B.C.

What motivated Cyrus to issue this proclamation? What

evidence is there that someone had shown Isaiah's proph-

ecy to the king? Ezra 1:1, 2; Isa. 44:24-28; 45:1-5, 13.

In his proclamation, Cyrus acknowledged that Yahweh had

charged him to build His temple at Jerusalem. Such a charge

appears only in the prophecy of Isaiah. A person who had a

scroll of Isaiah and who had intimate access to the king prob-

ably showed Cyrus the divine message. Thus in Cyrus' decree

we may see the traces of Daniel's influence.

What event during the reign of Darius the Mede opened a

door for Daniel to reach Cyrus? Daniel 6.

"The deliverance of Daniel from the den of lions had been

used of God to create a favorable impression upon the mind

of Cyrus the Great. The sterling qualities of the man of God as

a statesman of farseeing ability led the Persian ruler to show

him marked respect and to honor his judgment."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 557.

Scholars used to question the validity of Cyrus' decree.

They found it difficult to believe that he would take such an

interest in an insignificant captive nation. But an archeologi-

cal discovery tells us this in Cyrus' own words: "I returned to

these sacred cities on the other side of the Tigris, the sanctu-

aries of which have been in ruins for a long time, the images

which used to live in them, and I established for them perma-

nent sanctuaries. I also gathered all their former inhabitants

and returned to them their habitations."—"Cyrus Cylinder,"

The Biblical World

(Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House,

166), p. 178.

The second temple was financed largely by a pagan gov-

ernment. Is it proper for the church today to accept govern-

ment money for its institutions?

Tuesday



October 5

READY RESPONSE (Ezra 1:5, 6).

Who in particular responded to Cyrus' decree? What was

the driving force behind their decision? Ezra 1:5.

Ezra lifts the veil so that we may see the operation of the

unseen heavenly realm. It was God who "stirred" up Cyrus

(Ezra 1:1), and God who "raised" His people to respond.

How did the Jews and their non-Jewish acquaintances in

their communities respond in a material way to this chal-

lenging venture? Ezra 1:6.

The time of departure from Babylon was probably the spring

of 536 B.C. This gave the leaders and the people who would

join the great migration to Palestine approximately a year to

prepare for the trek. During these months, they received gifts

of gold, silver, and other necessities in addition to the horses,

mules, asses, and camels for transportation.

What special treasures did Cyrus order his treasurer,

Mithredath, to entrust to Zerubbabel (Sheshbazzar)? Ezra

1:7-11. Under what circumstances had some of these same

treasures been used only two years earlier? Dan. 5:1-4, 23.

The meaning of the Hebrew words that designate some of

these items is not clear, nor is it certain just how they arrived

at the total figures (see

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 329).

But how quickly a situation can change! As they praised their

idols, Belshazzar of Babylon and his lords, wives, and concu-

bines drank wine from sacred vessels once used in services

that pointed to the Lamb of God. Only two years later, Persia

was returning these vessels to the temple that the government

would help to build!

The Holy Spirit is moving in the earth today, preparing

people of all nationalities for Christ's coming. Led by the

Spirit, approximately 1,500 persons are joining the Advent

people every day. Are you aware of the Spirit's presence,

and do you desire Him to prepare you for your spiritual

journey to Zion? What can you do this week to be more

involved in preparing others for the journey?

Wednesday



October 6

MIGRATING MULTITUDES (Ezra 2:1-67).

Read Ezra 2:1, 64. Between these two verses is a record of

the first group of exiles from Babylon. Why did Ezra com-

pile such an extensive list?

These people are the living "roots" of what was to be. Such

details seem dry to us, but at that point in Israel's history they

were essential. God had originally separated Israel from the

nations for a holy purpose: to be "an holy people unto the

Lord thy God" (Deut. 7:6). So Ezra needed to determine from

the records who were "the holy seed" (Ezra 9:2) who would

replant the nation.

These basic groups are evident in the list:

(1)

The leadership (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7), representing "the

men of the people of Israel."

(2)

Descendants from a pre-captivity ancestor (Ezra 2:3-

19).

(3)

Descendants from pre-captivity cities (2:20-35).

(4)

Priests descended from pre-captive families (2:36-39).

(5)

Levites descended from pre-captive families (2:40-42).

(6)

Nethinim and Solomon's servants (2:43-58). The ances-

tors of these temple servants were apparently captives

(such as the Gibeonites) or remnants of the Canaanites

whom Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon dedicated

to the temple to perform menial tasks under the direc-

tion of the priests and Levites. The word

Nethinim

means

"the given ones."

What happened to those groups who couldn't prove they

were of Israelite or priestly stock? Ezra 2:59-63.

More than 600 persons could not identify themselves as

Israelites of the blood. It is possible they were attracted to

God's people like the mixed multitude who joined Israel in

the Exodus from Egypt (Ex. 12:38). Those claiming to be priests

were not permitted to serve until God gave permission.

Read Revelation 21:26, 27. What similarities exist between

these verses and our lesson for today? (See also John 5:24;

Heb. 12:22, 23; Rev. 3:5.)

Thursday



October 7

CHEERFUL GIVERS (Ezra 2:68-70).

Ezra lists the returning Israelites by family, city, or office,

but he is silent on character and motive. What kinds of

people were likely to come on this journey and why?

If a Jewish captive were 20 years of age in 605, 597, or 586

B.C. (the dates of the three major deportations), he or she

would be 88, 80, and 69, respectively, in 537 B.C., the year of

release. It is not likely that many of the elderly from the first

deportation would be physically able to make the return trip.

Some of the older persons from the third deportation might

have returned. Those persons who were strongly religious

(young or old) and/or nationalist in spirit would return. The

priests, Levites, and temple servants were naturally attracted,

since the new temple would allow them to work at their

ancestral careers. Finally, the poor—who had nothing to lose—

were also likely attracted.

Before separating to their respective ancestral towns, this

diverse group assembled at the ruins of Solomon's temple

(Ezra 2:68, 70). In their joy upon a safe arrival, what did

they do? Ezra 2:68, 69.

While this large sum of gold, silver, and priestly garments

was a freewill offering, it probably reflects some of the gifts

given by the Jews and their friends in Babylon and elsewhere.

Cyrus' grant to finance the construction of the temple created

a generous spirit in these patriots.

Furthermore, while suffering the reproach of captivity, it

appears that the Israelites took Jeremiah's counsel to heart to

settle into the land of their sojourn (Jer. 29:4-7). Excavations at

Nippur, the area of Ezekiel's home during the exile, have

uncovered the archives of a large banking firm, "Murashu

Sons." Thousands of tablets contain more than one hundred

Jewish names, indicating that some Israelites became a wealthy,

influential minority in Persia. Their success is reflected in the

grand freewill offering they gave for the new temple in Jerusalem.

Why would God prefer that we give little with a cheerful

heart than much with complaining? (Compare 2 Cor.

9:6, 7.)

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Friday



October 8

FURTHER STUDY:

This week we learned that the Holy Spirit

motivated the return to Jerusalem. Read more about the work

of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 59:19; John 6:63; 14:18, 23, 26; 16:8,

14; Romans 8:26, 27.

Read "The Return of the Exiles"

in Prophets and Kings,

pp.

551-560, and "Pray for the Latter Rain"

in Testimonies to Minis-

ters,

pp. 506-512.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How can you contribute to a spiritual revival among

God's people?

How "pure" should a Christian congregation keep its

books? What are the functions of discipline and

disfellowshiping?

SUMMARY:

Multitudes headed home from Babylonian exile.

Seventh-day Adventist Christians are heading home too. Doors

long shut are opening in all the world, providing the gospel

with new avenues of access. This is the hour to fall to our

knees and plead for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to em-

power us to fulfill our mission and prepare for the great

homecoming in the heavenly Jerusalem!

Lesson 3



October 10-16

Always Available

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Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 3, 4; Daniel 10.

MEMORY TEXT: "And they sang together by course in

praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is

good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel" (Ezra

3:11).

KEY QUESTIONS: Why is it true that many endeavors for

the Lord meet with obstacles? How should we confront chal-

lenges that threaten the progress of His cause?

GOD IS WITH US ALWAYS. When Chip was a boy, it

seemed that sickness would be his way of life. He remembers

how fever, pneumonia, or other serious illness plagued his

childhood. In the long, restless nights he would awaken from

a half-sleep to see his mother in the soft glow of the night-

light, sitting in a rocking chair beside his bed, ready for any

emergency, always available.

A mother's availability in time of need reflects one of the

great truths Israel learned from the altar of burnt offering. Its

morning and evening offerings were arranged to provide a

continuously burning sacrifice (Lev. 6:9-13). This sacrifice as-

sured the Israelites that God's grace is constantly available

any time, day or night. Thus, the first task of the returning

exiles was to restore the services of the altar of burnt offering.

As you study this week's lesson, remember that God is al-

ways available to you too.

Sunday



October 10

FIRST THINGS FIRST (Ezra 3:1-6).

When the first migration of Jews from Babylon reached

Judah, they scattered to their ancestral cities (Ezra 2:70). We

can only imagine the problems they faced in establishing their

claims to land and houses vacated by their ancestors 50 to 60

years earlier. The anger of the local people at this "invasion"

of Israelites may be reflected in the statement made a month

or two later when the people assembled at the site of the

temple ruins: "Fear was upon them because of the people of

those countries" (Ezra

3:3).

When did the people reassemble at Jerusalem? Ezra 3:1, 6.

What was significant about this date? Lev. 23:24, 27, 34, 36.

"The 7th month (Tishri) was one of the most sacred months

of the entire Jewish religious year. The 1st day of that month

was New Year's Day of the civil calendar [Rosh Hashanah].

. . . The month began with a blowing of trumpets and a holy

convocation (Lev. 23:24). . . . Ten days later came the solemn

Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27), followed almost immediately

by the Feast of Tabernacles, from the 15th to the 22nd day of

the same month (Lev. 23:34-36)."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, pp. 338, 339.

Even before the leaders made arrangements for rebuild-

ing the temple, what did they construct and put into opera-

tion? Ezra 3:2, 3. Why did they not wait until the temple was

completed before starting this aspect of the temple's ritual

service?

There was always a sacrifice on the altar of burnt offering

(Lev. 6:9-13), symbolically providing forgiveness through a

Substitute to anyone who might seek the Lord. Even though it

might take years to build the temple, the essential element of

atonement by a Substitute and the assurance of God's forgive-

ness could be kept continuously before the people.

Your Sabbath School class decides to conduct a Revela-

tion Seminar. Apply the principles of building an altar first.

(For example, dedication and devotion are the only reasons

to reach out; seek the assurance of the Holy Spirit's pres-

ence before you begin.)

Monday



October 11

BUILDING PREPARATIONS (Ezra 3:7-9).

With whom did Joshua and Zerubbabel contract to work

on the temple? Ezra 3:7, first half.

Joshua and Zerubbabel contracted with the skilled builders

among their own people, agreeing to pay them wages in money.

Most likely, the Babylonians had employed these craftsmen to

build their government and religious buildings.

With whom did the leaders contract for cedar? Ezra 3:7,

last half.

The cedar of the Lebanon mountains attains a height of 80

feet (24 meters) and a girth of 40 feet (12 meters) at its full

growth. Its fragrant wood was rot-resistant and knot-free,

making it ideal for building purposes. The Phoenicians cut the

trees in the mountains east of Sidon and transported the logs

down the slopes to the Mediterranean Sea. Here workmen

assembled the logs into rafts and floated them approximately

120 miles (192 kilometers) southward to Joppa (the modern

Jaffa-Tel Aviv), Judah's port city 35 to 40 miles (56 to 64

kilometers) west of Jerusalem (see 2 Chron. 2:16). From Joppa,

the Jews had an uphill task to move the logs inland to Jerusa-

lem, which is approximately 2,500 feet (750 meters) above sea

level at its highest point. It took seven months to collect the

building materials needed for the temple (Ezra 3:1, 6, 8).

"The work was quickly begun, but it was not hurriedly and

slovenly dispatched. Each part was wrought by those who

were specially adapted for it. No amount of zeal in the cause

of God will make up for lack of intelligence and adaptation.

We must build up the spiritual house of the Lord—the Church

of Christ—not only inspired by consecration of spirit, but

guided by a wise and intelligent adoption of the best means

and appliances."—Homily on Ezra 3:7-13,

Pulpit Commentary

(Chicago: Wilcox & Follett Co., n.d.), vol. 15, p. 40.

Consider the extensive plans and organization involved

in the construction of the temple as a witness for Christ.

How do your local church facilities reflect such principles?

Tuesday



October 12

CORNERSTONE CELEBRATION (Ezra 3:10-13).

For what great event did the leadership prepare a celebra-

tion? Ezra 3:10 (compare 1 Chron. 15:16).

Since Joshua followed "the ordinance of David" in this

celebration, what psalm did the people probably sing? Ezra

3:11; 1 Chron. 16:7-36, especially note verse 34.

Note how Psalms 106 and 107 open with the same call to

worship and praise. We are motivated to do so because of the

Lord's mercy and goodness in redeeming us from our en-

emies (107:2). From what enemy has He redeemed you, and

how has He done so?

"Through sin men have sold themselves to the adversary,

but Heaven paid an infinite price to buy them back. . . . The

redeemed, of all people, have most reason to say that God is

good and that His mercy is everlasting. Far more than we do,

we should relate what Christ has done for us, and our love for

Him will deepen as we give expression to

it."—SDA Bible

Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 873.

At this climax of their fondest dreams, how did the people

respond? Ezra 3:11. How did the elderly react to this scene

of national rejoicing? Ezra 3:12, 13.

If the older generation had formerly repented of their sins,

Solomon's temple would not have been destroyed, nor would

the exile have been necessary. Now, they had abundant evi-

dence that God miraculously had restored them to their home-

land and provided for the rebuilding process. It was nothing

less than disdain for God to wail their opinion of the new

temple so loudly that it drowned out the voices of praise.

"The murmuring and complaining, and the unfavorable

comparisons made, had a depressing influence on the minds

of many, and weakened the hands of the builders."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 564.

In what way does your attitude about certain situations

in your local church and the church at large impact upon

others? How is your life testifying to others that Jesus is

your Lord?

Wednesday



October 13

SAMARITAN CONFRONTATION (Ezra 4:1-5).

When God works, Satan counters. After the workers laid

the cornerstone, Satan attempted to stall and make of no

effect God's purpose in restoring Israel and the temple.

Who approached Zerubbabel, supposedly with the pur-

pose of helping to rebuild the temple? Ezra 4:1, 2. From

where had they originated? 2 Kings 17:24-41.

The deportation of whole nations within the Near East was

Assyrian state policy. Three Assyrian rulers ordered the set-

tlement of nationalities in the territory of the northern king-

doms of Israel: Sargon (2 Kings 17:24-29, 33); Esarhaddon

(Ezra 4:2); and Ashurbanipal, "the great and noble Asnapper"

(Ezra 4:10). A Levitical priest was ordered to teach these

people about Jehovah (2 Kings 17:28). The result was a mixed

worship of truth and error. Thus the Samaritan nation was a

people of mixed nationality and mixed religion.

Not just a friendly offer.

The return of God's people had,

in effect, created a new province in an area abandoned for 50

years. Those who returned were thus subject to the control of

the nearest local government such as that of the Samaritans.

The offer to assist the Jews in rebuilding the temple possibly

hid a motive to secure political control of the area now gov-

erned by the newly restored Israel.

After Zerubbabel declined their offer for help, how did

the Samaritans show their true colors? Ezra 4:4, 5.

"Had the Jewish leaders accepted this offer of assistance,

they would have opened a door for the entrance of idolatry.

They discerned the insincerity of the Samaritans. They real-

ized that help gained through an alliance with these men

would be as nothing in comparison with the blessing they

might expect to receive by following the plain commands of

Jehovah."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 568.

As Christians, to what extent can we enter into close

commitments or alliances with those who do not share our

faith? What are the dangers? (See 2 Cor. 6:14-18.)

Thursday



October 14

PREVAILING PRAYER (Daniel 10).

In the third year of Cyrus (536/535 B.C.), how did Daniel

react to the news of the Samaritan opposition? Dan. 10:2, 3.

"Daniel's period of mourning seems to have been contem-

porary with the serious threat that Cyrus' decree [to rebuild

the temple] might not be carried to completion after all, be-

cause of the false reports sent by the Samaritans to the court

of Persia, in an attempt to stop the building operations. The

significant fact that during these three weeks the angel was

struggling to influence Cyrus (vs. 12, 13) indicates that a vital

decision of the king was at stake. While praying for further

light . . . the prophet doubtless engaged in another period of

intensive intercession . . . that the work of the adversary

might be checked and that God's promises of restoration

might be fulfilled to His chosen people."—SDA

Bible Commen-

tary,

vol. 4, pp. 857, 858.

What did Daniel learn while he was in vision? Dan.

10:13.

The Hebrew word for "prince" can refer either to Cyrus or

to a supernatural evil personage attempting to control Cyrus,

even as Michael (likewise a Prince) also sought to persuade

him. The former urged the king to cancel his decree favoring

the Jews, while Michael appealed through his conscience to

confirm it. Two supernatural powers tried to influence Cyrus,

but the choice was his to make. For 21 days the fate of Judah

hung in the balance as Daniel—unaware of the supernatural

wrestling—prayed for Israel's deliverance from Samaritan

opposition.

What insight does this experience give us regarding the

great controversy between Christ and Satan? Eph. 6:12.

What place does intercessory prayer have in your spir-

itual experience? Why are affirmative answers to such prayers

often a long time in coming? What attitude should we adopt,

and what should we do while waiting for answers?

Friday



October 15

FURTHER STUDY:

The apostle Paul's experience makes clear

that serious endeavors for the Lord often run into obstacles.

How did Paul describe some of these obstacles in 2 Corinthians

11:23-27? What motivated Paul to continue despite the hard-

ship? 1 Cor. 2:2.

Read the portions of "The Return of the Exiles" and "The

Prophets of God Helping Them" in

Prophets and Kings

pages 560-572.

God "permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and

hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our

lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial bravely borne,

gives us a new experience and advances us in the work of

character building. The soul that through divine power resists

temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe

the efficiency of the grace of

Christ."—Thoughts From the Mount

of Blessing,

p. 117.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Your church is planning evangelistic meetings. But a

faction suddenly brings the board to vote that no money

can be spent on evangelism until a new organ is pur-

chased for the church. As personal-ministries director,

should you (a) enter into intercessory prayer; (b) ask the

board to allow you to present your case, and ask board

members to reconsider their decision; (c) visit key board

members and ask them to reconsider prayerfully; (d)

other?

The altar of burnt offering teaches that God is always

present. Can you think of instances when it would be

helpful to remember this?

How can you make your devotional life more meaning-

ful? How do you pray about circumstances that concern

the church, as well as yourself? Do you think that, be-

cause God already knows everything, there is no need to

pray?

SUMMARY:

The first priority of the returned Jews was to build

the altar with its constantly burning sacrifice; then followed the

rebuilding of the temple. Just so, the Christian first establishes

and maintains a union with Christ through daily prayer and

Bible study. Then one can face life's varied challenges with

confidence, knowing that the Lord is present to help.

Lesson 4



October 17-23

A Second Attempt

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 5, 6.

MEMORY TEXT: "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall

ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye pros-

per" (2 Chronicles 20:20).

KEY QUESTIONS:

What is the force that resides in the

prophetic Word? Why does obedience to its direction result in

a revival of faith and action despite opposition?

SECOND CHANCES.

One day teenaged Shannon com-

peted in the long jump at a track meet; the next day the junior

high school student battled to stay alive. A victim of

meningococcemia, she was expected to die within hours after

she was admitted to the hospital, but Shannon refused to give

up. Although her left leg and right foot were amputated,

Shannon survived. Today she plans to be a teacher. Her in-

credible will to live helped her get a second chance at life.

Like Shannon, the returned Jews faced an enormous, life-

threatening obstacle. The local Samaritans vigorously sought

to prevent their endeavors. During the next 15 years, Jewish

hopes dimmed. And a usurper to the Persian throne ordered

the builders to stop. Then prophetic voices began to sound.

Israel was given a second chance.

As you study, ask yourself what prophetic voices say to us,

and particularly to you, in 1993.

Sunday



October 17

HELPING HANDS (Ezra 5:1, 2).

How did the Samaritans specifically prevent the Jews

from reconstructing the temple in the period between Cyrus

and Darius I, in the reign of Ahasuerus, and at one point

during the later reign of Artaxerxes I? Ezra 4:1-23.

"It is generally held today that the incidents described in

ch. 4 are not given in their chronological order; specifically,

that the events of vs. 6-23 took place at a later time than those

of vs. 1-5, 24. Accordingly, v. 24 and the narrative in ch. 5

about the work of Haggai and Zechariah, who were active in

the 2d year of Darius I, are held to be a continuation of the

order of events that was interrupted at ch. 4:5."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 347.

The Persian kings were as follows:

Ezra 4:1-5: Cyrus the Great (c. 553-530 B.C.), Cambyses

(530-522 B.C.), False Smerdis (522 B.C), Darius I (522-486 B.C.).

Ezra 4:6: Xerxes (Ahasuerus; 486-465 B.C.).

Ezra 4:7-23: Artaxerxes I (465-423 B.C.).

Ezra 4:24 refers to verse 5, the second year of Darius I.

Who challenged the dispirited and apathetic Jews to re-

sume work on the temple? Ezra 5:1. How had the Jews

reacted to the Samaritan threat? Haggai 1:2-4. Read the mes-

sage God gave to them in Haggai 1:5-13.

"Spiritually as well as temporally, the Israelites were in a

pitiable state. So long had they murmured and doubted; so

long had they chosen to make personal interests first, while

viewing with apathy the Lord's temple in ruins, that many

had lost sight of God's purpose in restoring them to Judea. . . .

The lack of temporal prosperity was the result of a neglect to

put God's interests

first."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 573.

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the builders responded to God's

message with eager willingness. According to the figures in

Haggai 1:1 and 1:12-15, construction began anew 23 days after

the prophet's appeal. Read also Ezra 5:1, 2.

How eagerly and quickly do you respond when the Lord

calls you to action? Can you testify to the special blessings

involved in following divine instruction? What personal

interests are hindering us from putting God first?

Monday



October 18

OFFICIAL MISGIVINGS (Ezra 5:3-17).

On one side of the Behistun mountain that lies on the main

route between Iran and Iraq, Darius

ordered a sculptured

relief to be made of his conquest of the False Smerdis and nine

other contenders for the Persian throne. Cut into the rock

along with the figures (345 feet above ground level) is the

account of his victories written in three different languages.

With such a spirit of revolt in the air, it was only natural that

Persian officials would check out news of vigorous building

activities in Judah. And that is exactly what happened. Read

Ezra 5:3, 4.

"On this side of the river"

is better translated

beyond the river.

The river referred to is the Euphrates, while

Beyond the River

was the official name of that particular division of the Persian

Empire composed of Syria and Palestine. Tatnai was governor

of that region, and Shethar-boznai was most likely the royal

secretary.

The King James Version suggests that the Persian delega-

tion wanted the building stopped until they could know

Darius' decision on the matter. But what kept the builders

steadfastly pursuing their task? Ezra 5:5.

In the diplomatic manner of the elders, but especially in

their steadfast determination to erect the temple, we see the

striking influence of the prophetic witness of Haggai and

Zechariah. God's direct and pointed message lifted the Jews

above all fear of human authorities. They were toiling in

response to the very instruction of the Almighty, "the God of

heaven and earth" (verse 11), carrying out His specific direc-

tions. They refused to be intimidated.

Summarize the letter Tatnai sent to Darius I. Ezra 5:6-17.

Notice especially what impressed him about the building

project (verse 8). Also notice how the Jewish elders ex-

plained the reason for the destruction of the temple (verses

11, 12).

Is it good news or bad news that the "eye of God is upon

me"? Why?

Tuesday



October 19

DARIUS' DECREE (Ezra 6:1-12).

What evidence does Ezra 6:1, 2 give that Darius I was

willing to be fair with his Jewish subjects in Palestine?

The king could have ordered the Jews to stop their work

when he could not find a record of Cyrus' decree in Babylon.

Instead, he continued searching until he found the decree.

Contrast the decree that Darius found (Ezra 6:3-5) with

the decree Cyrus published throughout the empire (Ezra

1:2-4). Why was it providential that Darius discovered the

official decree?

The decree that Darius found was for official use only. It

served as a directive to realm officials and stated that the

royal treasury would pay to rebuild the temple. The decree

that Cyrus

published

contained a permit to return to Judah, to

rebuild the temple, and to collect money to assist with the

rebuilding project. It stated nothing about the treasury paying

for expenses.

Cyrus was the revered founder of the Persian Empire. Thus

his decrees carried considerable weight with later Persian

rulers. His statements regarding the size of the temple, its

manner of building, and the plans for financing it would

influence Darius

to reaffirm Cyrus' decree.

The Samaritans suppressed.

In his response (Ezra 6:6-12),

Darius placed accountability for building the temple on the

"desk" of Tatnai. He authorized Tatnai to finance the building

from Tatnai's tax funds. Darius also empowered Tatnai to

sentence with capital punishment and confiscation of prop-

erty any who dared interfere with the temple project. This

action effectively stopped Samaritan hindrance to the temple's

erection.

Darius expressed a measure

of faith in

the Jews' God by

requesting that they pray for his life and the lives of his

sons (Ezra 6:10). Why do you feel it was right for the Jews to

do so? See 1 Timothy 2:1-4. What reasons do we have to pray

for government officials?

Wednesday



October 20

THE TEMPLE IS FINISHED (Ezra 6:13-15).

How do these verses characterize the Jews' second at-

tempt to rebuild the temple? Ezra 5:8; 6:12, 13.

The account of the Jews' second attempt to erect the temple

is characterized by a Hebrew word that appears several times.

The word highlights the scene with intense activity ("with

diligence," NIV).

"When God opens the way for the accomplishment of a

certain work, and gives assurance of success, the chosen in-

strumentality must do all in his power to bring about the

promised result. In proportion to the enthusiasm and perse-

verance with which the work is carried forward, will be the

success

given."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 263.

What specific promises given by God through Zechariah

did the builders see fulfilled? Zech. 1:16; 4:6-10.

The Jews began their second attempt at building the temple

on September 21, 520 B.C. (Haggai 1:14, 15) and completed

the task on March 12, 515 B.C. (Ezra 6:15), a period of ap-

proximately 4 1/2 years. The previous temple had taken seven

years to build (see 1 Kings 6:37, 38).

Thank-you notes.

In Ezra 6:14, Ezra acknowledges that

apart from God's providence nothing would have been ac-

complished. He also recognizes the agents through whom

God worked: Cyrus, Darius I, and Artaxerxes I.

The mention of Artaxerxes indicates that Ezra probably

wrote this account during the time of Artaxerxes (465-423

B.C.). Why would Ezra list Artaxerxes I when he came to the

throne 50 years after the temple was completed? Since Artaxerxes

was the third king "to beautify the house of the Lord" (Ezra

7:27) and to forward the work of restoring Jerusalem, it was

fitting for Ezra to mention him.

People often begin projects for God with enthusiasm but

become discouraged when obstacles arise. How does the

story of Ezra and Nehemiah help with this problem? (1) It

shows the effects of hard work and prayer. (2) It tells exactly

how things should be done today. (3) It demonstrates how

God accomplishes the impossible. (4) Other.

Thursday



October 21

DEDICATION AND PASSOVER (Ezra 6:16-22).

In what spirit did the former exiles celebrate the dedica-

tion of the finished temple? What is the significance of the

expressions, "the children of Israel," and "a sin offering for

all Israel"? Ezra 6:16, 17.

Twenty-one years had elapsed since the returned exiles

first began work on the temple. Now they realized with great

joy that God had never abandoned them or His cause.

Ezra's emphasis on "Israel" testifies that the restored na-

tion—with representatives from all 12 tribes—was the true

spiritual descendant of the two Jewish kingdoms that had

gone into Assyrian-Babylonian captivity.

Compare the sacrifices of this second dedication service

with those offered at the consecration of Solomon's temple.

Ezra 6:17; 1 Kings 8:63.

While the total number of offerings for the dedication of

Zerubbabel's temple was considerably smaller, we still won-

der how it was done and why. It should be noted that the bulk

of the sacrifices at Solomon's dedication were "peace offer-

ings" (see 1 Kings 8:63). Only the fat of these animals was

burned; their flesh provided food for the festive meal—or

meals—for the masses who attended the celebration. Thus the

number attending may well have determined the number of

peace offerings sacrificed.

Sharing the good news.

A few weeks later the Israelites

celebrated the Passover (Ezra 6:19). There is evidence that

they were "evangelizing" in the fact that those who "had

separated themselves . . . from the filthiness of the heathen of

the land" ate the Passover with them (Ezra 6:21).

Do you see your faith as being strong enough to keep you

through the 21 years it took Israel to rebuild the temple? If

not, how can your faith be strengthened?

"When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to

cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely

come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most."

—Steps to Christ,

p. 96.

What promises are you clinging to today?

Make A Sad Story A Glad Story!

This is a story of four people: Everybody, Somebody,

an Nobody. There

was an

important job to

one, and verybody was sure Sombody would do it.

Anybody could do it, but Nobody did it. Somebody

got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.

nycdy

would have done it, but Nobody realized that

y wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody

blamed Somebody when actually Nobody asked Anybody.

The purpose of the

irteenth Sabbath Offering is to ask you!

Please remember

Africa Indian Ocean Division on cember 18.

(And thank you for your regular mission support each Sabbath.)

Friday



October 22

FURTHER STUDY:

Read Isaiah 1:1, 11-20 and Zechariah 7:1,

9, 10. What underlying principle is basic to prophetic mes-

sages, and how can you apply it to your life?

Read portions of "The Prophets of God Helping Them,"

"Joshua and the Angel," and "Not by Might nor by Power" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 573-597, and "Decision and Prompt-

ness" in

Gospel Workers,

pp. 133-135.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What can we learn about intercessory prayer from Ezra's

experience?

In Thursday's lesson we learned that the Israelites' love

for God attracted others to the faith. What does your

attitude and behavior tell others about the God you

profess to serve?

SUMMARY:

Samaritans harassed the Jews into idleness. But

the prophetic witness of Haggai and Zechariah led to a strik-

ing revival of faith, enabling the Jews to succeed. Responding

to the appeals of God through Scripture and the prophetic gift

of Ellen White will bring a revival to God's end-time people,

enabling them to keep pace with His opening providences in

preparing a people for Christ's return.

Lesson 5



October 24-30

Living by the Word

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 7, 8.

MEMORY TEXT: "Ezra had prepared his heart to seek

the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel

statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10).

KEY QUESTIONS:

Why is understanding Scripture so es-

sential to a vibrant Christian experience? What efforts are you

willing to make to obtain such an understanding?

REGAINING OUR HEALTH.

More than 1,100 strangers

responded to a New Year's Eve call and braved a winter

storm to help save the life of Joanne, a 19-year-old victim of

leukemia. The young woman required a donation of bone

marrow compatible with hers. Nearly 40 relatives had tested

negative, and now the family appealed to the public for help.

As bone marrow is essential for physical life, so is the

Word of God essential for spiritual life (John 6:63). Joanne's

chances of finding compatible marrow were only one in 20,000

in the general populace and one in 10,000 in her community of

black persons. But for millions of people, the life-giving Scrip-

tures are at their fingertips, and many ongoing programs

make them available to previously unreached language groups.

Vigorous spiritual health comes only as the Word of God is

implanted in our hearts (James 1:21). This week we study how

God's Word was implanted in Ezra's heart and in the hearts

of his people.

Sunday



October 24

BACK TO THE BIBLE (Ezra 7:1-6, 10).

Nearly 60 years elapsed between the completion of the

temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua and the arrival of Ezra

with a second migration of Jews from Babylon.

Although Ezra was a priest by descent and training, what

was his special interest? Ezra 7:6.

The Hebrew word

torah

is translated "law." In Ezra and

Nehemiah, the word

torah

appears 24 times. Torah refers to

God's revealed will or any part of it. The term denotes God's

"instructions" as given to His people in Scripture. Torah often

designates the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible

written by Moses. It also applies to all of Old Testament

Scripture as Ezra assembled it.

Ezra's two desires:

(1) He wanted to know, understand,

and obey God's will (Ezra 7:10). (2) He also desired to know

why Israel had gone into captivity (Ezra 9:7). With daily,

patient study of the Scriptures, especially the Pentateuch,

Ezra became "skilled in the law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6, RSV).

As he "searched the historical and poetical books of the Bible

. . . [he learned] why the Lord had permitted Jerusalem to be

destroyed, and His people carried captive into a heathen

land."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 608.

To what important facts about themselves would Ezra's

study and teaching have called the people's attention? Ezra

7:6, 10; Deut. 4:6-8 (compare Rom. 3:1, 2).

"It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to

learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in

the light, and encourage others to follow his example. We

should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every

thought, and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine

help, we are to form our opinions for ourselves, as we are to

answer for ourselves before God."—The

Great Controversy,

598.

According to the quotation above and Ezra 7:10, what

three-pronged approach should you take as you study the

Bible if you would truly know God's will for your life?

Monday



October 25

AUTHORITY FROM ARTAXERXES I (Ezra 7:11-26).

The Persian kings evidently had commissioners, drawn

from the ranks of the subject nations, who functioned as ad-

visers on the affairs of their respective peoples (see Neh.

11:24). Studies have shown that Ezra's title, "a scribe of the

law of the God of heaven" (Ezra 7:12), indicates he was a

commissioner in charge of Jewish affairs. Such an appoint-

ment gave him a great deal of influence in the court and

brought him in contact with Artaxerxes the king. (See

SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 366.)

What wide-sweeping permission did Artaxerxes I give

the Jews at this time? Ezra 7:13, 14.

The Lord made it evident that He wanted His people to

resettle in their homeland. Just as His servant Daniel influ-

enced Cyrus, now Ezra appealed to Artaxerxes.

Who else beside the king wanted Ezra to organize the

province of Judah? Ezra 7:14. How did Artaxerxes ask Ezra

to organize the province? Ezra 7:25, 26.

The fact that the king's seven counselors endorsed Judah as

a functioning national entity in the Persian Empire suggests

certain political motives. A few years earlier Egypt revolted

from Persian domination. In 456 B.C. (the year after Ezra's

return) Megabyzos, Artaxerxes' brother-in-law, entered Egypt

at the head of a Persian army and in a successful two-year

campaign restored Persian authority. The establishment of

Judah in 457 B.C. as a viable, subject nation would give Per-

sian forces a loyal Palestinian base from which to launch their

military excursions into Egypt.

"In the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we

behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counterplay

of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of

the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the coun-

sels of His own

will."—Education,

p. 173.

What in this lesson encourages you to believe that God

always active to accomplish His purpose in your life and in

your church?

Tuesday



October 26

A TIME FOR THANKSGIVING (Ezra 7:27, 28).

Ezra 7:6, 28 suggests that Ezra appeared in person before

the king to request the provisions embodied in the written

decree. What enabled this humble man to exercise such

holy boldness? Compare Romans 10:17.

Ezra studied the Scriptures diligently in order to know

God's will. Thus he developed both a steadfast faith in God

and courage to use his position to benefit God's people. Holy

boldness springs from intimate communion with the heavenly

King of kings.

"The weak man may become strong, the timid may become

brave, and the irresolute and undecided may become men of

quick and firm decision, when they feel that God considers

them of sufficient consequence to accept their

labors."—Tes-

timonies, vol.

p. 614.

Summarize Ezra's reaction to the generosity of the Per-

sian court. Notice to whom Ezra gives the credit. Ezra 7:27,

28 (compare Proverbs 21:1).

There is no self-glorifying on Ezra's part. He freely ac-

knowledges that it was God who prompted the Persians, and

that it was God's grace that enabled him to make a persuasive

presentation.

How sensitive are you to the evidences of God's overrul-

ing providences in your personal affairs? in the church? in

the world? Is the attitude of praise and thanksgiving a nor-

mal part of your life? Why or why not?

"Difficulties will arise that will try your faith and patience.

Face them bravely. Look on the bright side. If the work is

hindered, be sure that it is not your fault, and then go for-

ward, rejoicing in the Lord. Heaven is full of joy. It resounds

with the praises of Him who made so wonderful a sacrifice

for the redemption of the human race. Should not the church

on earth be full of praise? Should not Christians publish through-

out the world the joy of serving Christ? Those who in heaven

join with the angelic choir in their anthem of praise must learn

on earth the song of heaven, the keynote of which is thanks-

giving."—Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 244.

Wednesday



October 27

EXODUS UNDER EZRA (Ezra 8:1-30).

Nearly 150 years had elapsed since the first captives had

been taken to Babylon. And it was now 80 years since Zerubbabel

had led the initial migration back home.

Ezra addressed his appeal to return to Judah to the "chief"

men, the heads of family groups. If they agreed to leave

Babylon, they would have an important influence in urging

"clan" members to return also.

At the staging area, Ezra discovered that no one from the

tribe of Levi had decided to return. How did he remedy the

situation? Ezra 8:15-20.

Levitical families would be reluctant to leave their estab-

lished homes and gainful employment in Babylon, because

unlike those of other tribes, they had no hereditary lands

awaiting them in Palestine. The Levites were dependent on

Israel's tithe (Num. 18:20, 21). Thus, the return to Palestine

meant they would have to exchange their economic security

for the seeming uncertainties of a tithing system that varied

with the spiritual and material condition of Judah. But the

Levites were the centerpiece in Ezra's plan to instruct the

people in the statutes and judgments of the law of God.

God's protection, not man's. Next, Ezra led the people in a

season of fasting and prayer, asking that God would honor

their trust in Him and bring them safely through the perils of

the journey (Ezra 8:21-23). Ezra had spoken so openly of the

true God before the king that he was embarrassed to ask for

military protection along the way.

Describe Ezra's plan for the transportation of the gold,

silver, and costly vessels. Why was this a good plan? Ezra

8:24-29.

Although Ezra led the people in several days of fasting

and prayer, it is evident that he also made careful plans to

assure success. If we commit our lives to Christ, why is it

necessary to make plans? Why is it not a lack of faith to

exercise prudent thought and set goals for life's journey?

How can you balance your human plans with total trust in

God's control and guidance of your affairs?

Thursday



October 28

HOME AT LAST (Ezra 7:7-9; 8:31-36).

In what year of the reign of Artaxerxes I did Ezra's group

arrive in Jerusalem? Ezra 7:7.

Because Ezra and Nehemiah appeared as one book in He-

brew manuscripts until A.D. 1448, we may presume that a

similar dating system undergirds both. Evidence from Nehemiah

1:1; 2:1, and archeological findings from a fifth-century-B.C.

Jewish garrison in southern Egypt indicate that the Jews at the

time of Ezra were using an autumn-to-autumn calendar. Thus,

Ezra's migration began and ended in 457 B.C., the seventh

year of Artaxerxes' reign according to Jewish reckoning. Since

it would have taken some time to put into operation the king's

directives, the decree that fully restored Judah as a nation

would not have become effective before the autumn of 457

B.C.

Why was 457 B.C. a crucial year for God's people? Dan.

9:25.

According to Daniel 9:25 the Messiah would appear 69

prophetic weeks after "the going forth of the commandment

to restore and to build Jerusalem." A day in prophetic time is

equivalent to a literal year (Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6). Therefore,

69 weeks x 7 days per week = 483 days/years. The books of

Ezra and Nehemiah list four "decrees": (1) 537 B.C., to rebuild

the temple (Ezra 1:1-4); (2) 519 B.C., to reactivate the first

decree to rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:1-12); (3) 457 B.C., to

restore the autonomy of the Jewish nation under Persian lord-

ship (Ezra 7:11-26; this is one of the most significant dates in

human history); (4) 444 B.C., to restore recently burned gates

and partially destroyed walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 2:3-5; 6:15).

Since the third decree is the only one that truly restored

Judah as a functioning state, it is reasonable to begin Daniel's

prophecy with the time when that decree became effective—

the autumn of 457 B.C. (Compare Ezra 6:14.) On this basis of

reckoning the Messiah would appear in the fall of A.D. 27, the

year in which Jesus was baptized. (See Luke 3:1, 2, 21.)

Why do you think God told is Old Testament church

when the Messiah would come? Why is He not as specific

regarding the Second Coming?

Friday



October 29

FURTHER STUDY: Read Daniel 8:13, 14; 9:21-26.

The year 457 B.C. is critical to us, as well, because it is the

starting point of the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14. In

Daniel 9:24, the angel "tells Daniel that 490 years [remember

the year-day principle] were to be cut off from the longer

period of 2300 years. As the starting point for the 490 years,

Gabriel points to 'the going forth of the command to restore

and build Jerusalem' (Dan. 9:25), which took place in 457

B.C. . . .

"The 490 years ended in A.D. 34 [when Stephen was stoned].

When we cut off 490 years from the 2300 years, we are left

with 1810 years. Since the 2300 years were to extend 1810

years beyond A.D. 34, they reach to the year 1844.

"In 1844, Christ came to the Ancient of Days and began the

final phase of His high-priestly ministry in the heavenly sanc-

tuary. This ministry was the antitype of the Day of Atonement

cleansing of the sanctuary that Daniel 7 depicts as the pre-

Advent investigative

judgment."—Seventh-day

Adventists Be-

lieve,

p. 324.

Read "Ezra, the Priest and Scribe" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp.

607-617;

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, pp. 100-109, 326, 327;

vol. 2, pp. 110, 116;

Seventh-day Adventists Believe,

pp. 312-327.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Does the thought of an investigative judgment cause you

to be fearful or joyful? Why? Might some fear be essen-

tial to growth in sanctification?

What assurance do we find in the process of the investi-

gative judgment? 1 John 2:1.

Upon what does the investigative judgment encourag(

us to depend? Matt. 22:11-14; 2 Cor. 12:9; Rev. 3:5.

List two reasons for the investigative judgment.

SUMMARY:

The driving force of

Ezra's migration was a

back-to-the-Bible movement. A similar earnest searching of

the Scriptures will result in spiritual strength for believers

today, inspiring them to daring exploits of witnessing.

Lesson 6



October 31-November 6

Mixed Marriages

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 9, 10.

MEMORY TEXT: "Be ye not unequally yoked together

with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light

with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

KEY QUESTION:

Why are religiously mixed marriages

quite often a detriment to spiritual development?

"WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES?"

The series' title was an

attention-getter for college students: "Love, Courtship, and

Marriage"! All eyes were fixed on the speaker and the young

couple. "Marilyn," the speaker said, "I want you to stand up

here with me and face the audience. You represent a Chris-

tian. Ned, you stand one step lower facing Marilyn and take

her hand. You represent a non-Christian suitor.

"You want to marry, but you do not have the same spir-

itual values. Marilyn, what are your chances of bringing Ned

to where you stand?" Marilyn seized Ned's hand with both of

hers and pulled, but the husky Ned didn't budge. "Ned, try to

bring Marilyn to you." With one quick yank, Marilyn tumbled

down. Few missed the point: In a mixed marriage, it is easier

for the believer to compromise faith than to lift the unbeliev-

ing spouse to a higher spiritual level. Mixed marriages were

one of the great issues that faced Ezra.

Sunday



October 31

PROBLEM AND PRAYER (Ezra 9:1-15).

Like yeast in bread dough, Ezra's spiritual influence began

to penetrate the earlier settlers. Once in their homeland, Ezra

was able to arouse some consciences in less than five months.

What problem was thus presented to Ezra? Why was it so

serious an issue? Ezra 9:1, 2 (compare Deut. 7:6).

No one is authorized to mount the judgment seat to criti-

cize persons in religiously mixed marriages. Not all mixed

marriages have harmed godly believers. Nevertheless, it is

often true that a religiously mixed marriage leads the believer

to compromise his or her faith. The possibility was that Jewish

intermarriage with pagans would lead to the extinction of the

true religion. Since even the priests and Levites were involved

in this trend, the practice would eventually become wide-

spread.

Last week we learned that Ezra was an earnest student of

Scripture. Surely he must have known about the counsel God

gave to Israel after He led them out of Egypt. He also must

have known that the problem of believers marrying unbe-

lievers was one reason for the Flood. (See Gen. 6:1, 2, 4, 5; Ex.

34:14-16; Deut. 7:1-4; Joshua 23:11-13.)

How did Ezra react after becoming aware of the problem?

Ezra 9:3-15.

"In his study of the causes leading to the Babylonian cap-

tivity, Ezra had learned that Israel's apostasy was largely

traceable to their mingling with heathen nations. He had seen

that if they had obeyed God's command to keep separate

from the nations surrounding them, they would have been

spared many sad and humiliating experiences. Now when he

learned that notwithstanding the lessons of the past, men of

prominence had dared transgress the laws given as a safe-

guard against apostasy, his heart was stirred within him."

—Prophets and Kings,

p. 620.

Why does the counsel against believers marrying unbe-

lievers still apply to Christians today? How should we com-

municate concern to those about to enter a mixed marriage?

How should we relate to the couple after the marriage has

been entered into? Why?

Monday



November 1

SEVERING MIXED TIES (Ezra 10).

As the priests and Levites, along with the men, women,

and children, witnessed Ezra's anguish over their mixed mar-

riages, they themselves burst into tears. In his prayer, Ezra

proposed no solution; he feared there was none.

What solution did Shechaniah propose? Ezra 10:2-4.

The remedy to divorce their foreign wives and put them

and their children away came from one of the leading men

and was sworn to, and thus endorsed, by both the leadership

and the people (Ezra 10:5). This tragic solution, resulting as it

did in great trauma for the families involved, was evidently

felt to be the lesser of two evils. We may assume that the plan

involved the return of the wives and children to their parental

homes beyond the borders of Judah.

An urgent proclamation.

Ezra 10:7 tells us that a proclama-

tion then went throughout the entire land, calling for "all the

children of the captivity" to meet in Jerusalem. Any who

would not come would be separated from the congregation

and his property appropriated to the sacred use of the temple

(Ezra 10:8).

Summarize the appeal Ezra made to the people, and their

response. Ezra 10:10-14.

Although Ezra had not proposed the solution, he evidently

endorsed it. He plainly laid before the national assembly the

nature of their trespass and called on them to respond in

harmony with the solution covenanted a few days earlier by

the leaders and congregation at Jerusalem.

The ninth month in the Jewish calendar is the time of heavy

winter rains. The weather, plus the extent of the problem,

contributed to the decision that those involved should appear

before suitable panels of elders and judges in each city to have

their cases reviewed and settled.

Although God freely forgives, why is it so difficult to

retrace our steps once we've sinned? Remember, it is better

to heed the fence at the top of the cliff than to have an

ambulance waiting for us at the foot.

Tuesday



November 2

DANGERS OF A PERSISTENT BAD PRACTICE (Neh. 13:23-

29).

Thirteen years after the first recorded instance of mixed

marriages, Nehemiah, as governor, faced it again. Nehemiah

served two terms as governor of Judah. After the initial stint

of 12 years (Neh. 5:14), he returned to the court of Artaxerxes

(13:6), probably for several years. When he returned to Judah,

he was once again confronted with the problem of mixed

marriages (13:23, 24). Now he perceived a new danger, "namely

the corruption of the next generation. The babble of languages

among the children (13:24) was not only a symptom but a

threat: it meant a steady erosion of Israelite identity at the

level of all thinking and expression, and a loss of access to the

Word of God."—Kidner,

Ezra & Nehemiah,

p. 131.

What did the people vow during a service in which they

renewed their covenant loyalty to God? Neh. 10:29, 30.

The renewal of Israel's commitment to God and the subse-

quent years under Nehemiah's governorship (Neh. 5:14) were

high points in the nation's post-exilic experience.

"Every true turning to the Lord brings abiding joy into the

life. . . . It is God's glory to encircle sinful, repentant human

beings in the arms of His love, to bind up their wounds, to

cleanse them from sin, and to clothe them with the garments

of salvation."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 668.

In his appeal to the people, Nehemiah referred to Solomon

(Neh. 13:26). How did this king, despite his wisdom, even-

tually apostatize? 1 Kings 3:1; 11:1-8.

"Solomon flattered himself that his wisdom and the power

of his example would lead his wives from idolatry to the

worship of the true God, and also that the alliances thus

formed would draw the nations round about into close touch

with

Israel."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 54.

Why does the influence of evil seem to exert itself in a

stronger, more effective manner than does the influence of

good?

Wednesday



November 3

INTERMARRIAGE AND INTRIGUE (Neh. 6:17, 18; 13:4-9, 28).

How did Tobiah the Ammonite and Sanballat the Horonite

secure influence over the affairs of Judah? Neh. 13:4, 5 (com-

pare 6:17, 18; 13:28).

It is generally recognized that Eliashib, the high priest, was

"allied" or "connected" to Tobiah, probably through the mar-

riages of Tobiah and his son with two prominent families in

Judah (Neh. 6:17-19). The high priest was also linked with

Sanballat through the marriage of his grandson with Sanballat's

daughter (Neh. 13:4, 28). Marriage with the enemy influenced

Eliashib the high priest and other leading families to betray

their nation. The high priest even allowed Tobiah to live in the

temple complex while Nehemiah was back at the Persian

court (Neh. 13:4-7).

What vigorous action did Nehemiah take against these

mixed marriages, especially those at the priestly level? Neh.

13:8, 9, 28-30.

"A grandson of the high priest, having married a daughter

of the notorious Sanballat, was not only removed from office,

but promptly banished from Israel. . . .

"Many who had married idolaters chose to go with them

into exile; and these, with those who had been expelled from

the congregation, joined the Samaritans. Hither some who

had occupied high positions in the work of God found their

way, and after a time cast in their lot fully with them. Desiring

to strengthen this alliance, the Samaritans promised to adopt

more fully the Jewish faith and customs; and the apostates,

determined to outdo their former brethren, erected a temple

on Mount Gerizim, in opposition to the house of God at

Jerusalem. Their religion continued to be a mixture of Juda-

ism and heathenism; and their claim to be the people of God

was the source of schism, emulation, and enmity between the

two nations, from generation to generation."—Prophets

and

Kings,

pp. 674, 675.

How could Israel separate herself from strangers, yet still

attract others to God? What implications does your answer

have for the Seventh-day Adventist Church today?

Thursday



November 4

DIVORCE FOR THE WRONG REASONS (Mal. 2:11, 14-16).

God also directed Malachi to speak to the issue of mixed

marriages. How did divorce figure into the matter? How did

the Lord regard such divorces? Mal. 2:11, 14-16.

The "daughter of a strange [or foreign] god" (Mal. 2:11)

was an idolatress who served a foreign deity just as the Israel-

ites were sons of Yahweh because they served the true God

(Deut. 14:1, RSV). Malachi speaks about God's hatred of di-

vorce in the context of both leaders and people divorcing their

Jewish spouses so they could marry pagan women.

What New Testament principle continues to advise Chris-

tians against mixed marital unions? 2 Cor. 6:14-16.

What counsels regarding marriage did the apostles Paul

and Peter give to persons who became Christians? 1 Cor.

7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1.

Why did Ezra and Nehemiah insist on dissolving the mixed

marriages in Judah, while Paul and Peter encouraged new

Christians to keep their nonbelieving spouses? In the time of

Ezra and Nehemiah, national existence was at stake—not so

in Christian times. Paul and Peter gave their counsel when the

church was young and growing rapidly. Thus it often oc-

curred that a husband or wife would become a Christian, but

his or her spouse would choose to continue with the belief

they both held at the time of their marriage. The apostles

advised that in such cases it would not be right for the Chris-

tian spouse to divorce the nonbelieving spouse. This counsel

indicates God's will today for those who find themselves in a

spiritually divided home. God will guide a believer in adopt-

ing winning ways toward the nonbelieving spouse. While no

one is required to submit to abusive behavior from a spouse, a

believer is encouraged to stay with the nonbelieving spouse

because there is always the possibility that the believer's wit-

ness will attract the nonbeliever to Christ.

Neither Beth nor Jim was a Christian when they married.

Recently Beth became a Seventh-day Adventist, and she

wonders how she should regard Jim. How would you advise

her?

Friday



November 5

FURTHER STUDY:

How does Genesis 24:1-4 assist in your

understanding of this week's lesson? Why was it so important

for Isaac to have a spouse of like religious faith?

SUGGESTED SOLUTION (Neh. 5:6-11).

What was Nehemiah's reaction to the outcry from the

families who had gathered around him? Neh. 5:6, 7.

Nehemiah knew that condemnation and censure seldom, if

ever, move people to do right. Some scholars have noted that

the word translated "usury" or "interest" (Neh. 5:7, 10) is

peculiar to Nehemiah and, although related, is not the com-

mon word used elsewhere for "usury." They suggest that the

people's complaint was, not over high interest rates, but over

the lending of money upon the security of their lands and

houses with forfeiture of these basic possessions when cir-

cumstances prevented their making payments.

Outline the reasoning Nehemiah used to show the nobles

how shabbily they were treating their poorer brethren. Neh.

5:8-10. What solution did he suggest? Verse 11.

The patriot's first argument shamed the nobles into silence.

Nehemiah said in effect, "We, as far as we have been able,

have been buying the release of our brethren in slavery among

the Gentiles; but you, by contrast, are selling them into slav-

ery! Shouldn't you set a higher example before our Gentile

enemies?" Finally, he identified himself with the rulers and

nobles. Verse 10 reads literally, "I also, my brethren and serv-

ants are lending them silver and grain." He and his party

probably did not charge interest, but now he felt the depths of

the distress many were undergoing.

The expression "the hundredth part" (Neh. 5:11) is under-

stood by some commentators to refer to the interest charged

on the loans, perhaps 12 percent a year. Others think it refers

to the income that the creditors derived from the property

they held in pledge.

"It was shown me that those who preside over our insti-

tutions should ever bear in mind that there is a chief direc-

tor, who is the God of heaven. There should be strict hon-

esty in all business transactions in every department of the

work. There must be firmness in preserving order, but com-

passion, mercy, and forbearance should be mingled with

the

firmness."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 559.

Wednesday



November 24

A NOBLE RESPONSE (Neh. 5:12, 13).

In what forthright manner did the rulers and nobles re-

spond to Nehemiah's plea? Neh. 5:12.

When the Spirit of God moves on the heart, it releases one's

selfish grasp and urges the sharing of resources with those

who are less fortunate. It will also prompt a retracing of steps

to right previous wrongs. The actions of Zacchaeus (Luke

19:8) are similar to the actions of the rulers and nobles in

Nehemiah's day who publicly promised to restore, without

further charge, the lands and homes of their brethren that

they had taken as security.

"The Christian in his business life is to represent to the

world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business

enterprises. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that

God is his teacher. 'Holiness unto the Lord' is to be written

upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills of

exchange. . . .

"If we have injured others through any unjust business

transaction, if we have overreached in trade, or defrauded

any man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we

should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies

in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which

we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put

to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our

possession."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 556.

What visual aid did Nehemiah use to underscore the

seriousness of the oath that the nobles and rulers had taken?

How did the congregation respond? Neh. 5:13.

A crisis was averted that could have shattered the nation

and left the people open to ridicule by their enemies. If Nehemiah

had waited for the problem to go away, a civil war might have

ensued. His willingness to right terrible wrongs and promote

a spirit of charity and brotherly love helped save the day.

Why do some persons claim that it is impossible for a

Christian to practice Christian principles in the business

world? How would you refute their logic? How can you

practice Christian principles more thoroughly in your busi-

ness dealings?

Thursday



November 25

EXAMPLE LEADERSHIP (Neh. 5:14-19).

There is truth in the old saying: "Power corrupts, and

absolute power corrupts absolutely." Not many—even within

the church—can properly relate to the authority, power, and

privilege that comes with high position. So Jewish nobles and

rulers gave in to greedy practices that their position made

possible. The example of Nehemiah's leadership appears in

marked contrast.

To what position did the king evidently appoint Nehemiah

when he gave him permission to restore Jerusalem? Neh.

5:14. Perceiving the condition of the people, what privileges

of his position did he willingly forego? Neh. 5:14-16.

Nehemiah had a shepherd's heart. His arms of compassion

embraced his distressed flock. He would not, could not take

advantage of them. He spent and was spent with a willing

heart for the well-being of his people. His example was lead-

ership at its best, self-sacrificing, forceful, and successful. Re-

flect upon how the same can be said of Christ.

Although Nehemiah did not accept the revenue of a gov-

ernor, what evidence is there that he maintained a hospi-

table court at his own expense? Was he being boastful in

recalling before God the years of his self-denying rule? Can

you identify a higher motivation? Neh. 5:17-19.

Hospitality and sharing are means in our hands to attract

others to the Saviour we love.

"We are near the close of time, when Satan has come down,

having great wrath, knowing that his time is short. . . . The

warfare has been left in our hands by our great Leader for us

to carry forward with vigor. We are not doing a twentieth

part of what we might do if we were awake. The work is

retarded by love of ease and a lack of the self-denying spirit of

which our Saviour has given us an example in His life."

—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 407.

Many today are sensitive about personal rights.

But little

is said about responsible self-denial. What motivates a life

of self-denial such as Nehemiah lived? What kind of leader-

ship do you display in your church and neighborhood?

Friday



November 26

FURTHER STUDY: While the Israelites were rebuilding the

walls of Jerusalem, the serious matter of the rich oppressing

the poor arose. What similar situation occurred in the New

Testament, and how did the people resolve it? Acts 6:1-7.

How do the following texts help us to understand the impor-

tance of caring for the poor? Matt. 19:16-22; 25:31-46; Isa. 58:1-

Read "A Rebuke Against Extortion" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 646-652.

"The customs of the world are no criterion for the Chris-

tian. He is not to imitate their sharp practise, overreaching,

and extortion, even in small matters. Every unjust act toward

a fellow mortal, though he be the veriest sinner, is a violation

of the golden rule. Every wrong done to the children of God is

done to Christ Himself in the person of His saints. Every

attempt to advantage one's self by the ignorance, weakness,

or misfortune of another, is registered as fraud in the ledger

of heaven."—Ellen G. White,

Southern Watchman,

May 10,

1904.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How

might the laws studied in Monday's lesson relieve

poverty conditions existing today? In areas where there

is little farming, what can people do to assist the pow

with their need for food?

How is Deuteronomy 15:7-11 similar to the golden rule?

See Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12.

Nehemiah did not condemn those he wished to change.

How might following his example increase church mem-

bership and prevent some from leaving through the back

door?

What did Nehemiah do to avert a crisis? Would these

steps work in our churches today?

SUMMARY: Unjust and oppressive financial transactions

threatened the success of Nehemiah's building program and

the well-being of the nation. The experience underlines the

truth that our business dealings do not lie outside our reli-

gious beliefs. Religion and morality are to operate in the

marketplace six days a week as well as in the house of God

on Sabbath. The golden rule is the Christian guide.

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Lesson 10



November 28-December 4

Spiritual Rehabilitation

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Nehemiah 8-10.

MEMORY TEXT: "They clave to their brethren, their nobles,

and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in

God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of

God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the

Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes"

(Nehemiah 10:29).

KEY QUESTION:

Why is it necessary for a Christian to

take stock occasionally of his or her spiritual experience?

REHABILITATION.

In 1989 a medical team in Sweden

successfully grafted several thousand fetal brain cells—enough

to fill a large teardrop—into the brain of a patient with

Parkinson's disease. Implanted fetal tissue grows easily and

provokes no rejection by the body. In this instance, the cells

generate and release dopamine, a chemical essential for nor-

mal muscle movement. Previously unable to walk, the patient

has since personally renovated his home.

(Washington Post,

March 27, 1990.)

Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the "implanted word"

(James 1:21, RSV) can in like manner bring about a new spir-

itual life. This is what occurred in the early months of Nehemiah's

governorship. While the builders labored to rehabilitate Jerusa-

lem, God's Spirit worked to rehabilitate the builders! Ask

yourself in what way your spiritual life needs renewing.

Sunday



November 28

NEW YEAR'S DAY, 444 B.C. (Neh. 8:1-12).

Immediately after the people finished constructing Jerusalem's

walls, they assembled in the city to celebrate the new year. In

less than a week they would observe the Day of Atonement and

the harvest Feast of Tabernacles. These events were the most

spiritually moving occasions of Nehemiah's governorship.

Describe how the Jews celebrated the new year. On this

occasion in particular, how did they celebrate it? Lev. 23:24,

25; Neh. 8:1-5.

Ezra's quiet teaching of the Scriptures during the previous

13 years was beginning to have its effect. The people them-

selves requested their spiritual leader to read to them from

the Pentateuch (Neh. 8:1).

New Year's Day was also referred to as the Blowing of

Trumpets. The sound of these instruments alerted the people

to the solemn events of the approaching Day of Atonement.

The 13 men who stood with Ezra (verse 4), probably priests,

took turns with him in reading. The 13 additional men (verse

7) were probably Levites who stood level with the people and

may have moved among them to explain the readings. Since

the meeting lasted about five or six hours (verse 3), it is

doubtful that Ezra and his associates read without a break or

that the people continually stood. More likely, the reading

alternated with explanations by the Levites, during which the

congregation was seated.

How did this public study of the Scriptures affect the

people? What did Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encour-

age the people to do? Neh. 8:5, 6, 9-12.

Sorrow for our sins has its proper place and time, but the

center of biblical religion is God's graciousness. Nehemiah

declared, "Let there be no sadness, for joy in the Lord is your

strength" (Neh. 8:10, NEB).

"Those who abide in Jesus will be happy, cheerful, and

joyful in

God."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 626.

What kind of Bible study makes your heart tender and

repentant? Why can your spiritual rehabilitation not take

place without a contrite heart? (See Ps. 51:17.)

Monday



November 29

A TIME FOR REJOICING (Neh. 8:13-18).

The day after New Year's, only the heads of families

reassembled to listen to the reading of Scripture (Neh. 8:13).

The people had dispersed to their homes after the service of

the previous day. Scripture omits reference to the observance

of the Day of Atonement, but "at the time appointed—on the

tenth day of the seventh month—the solemn services of the

Day of Atonement were performed, according to the com-

mand of

God."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 665.

As these leaders continued their Bible study, what festi-

val did they determine to observe, and what preparations

did they make for it? Neh. 8:14, 15.

During their continued study, the "chief of the fathers"

realized that they had lost sight of the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Jews in the first migration celebrated it more than 90

years earlier (Ezra 3:11). But perhaps they had observed it

only in a general way.

What evidence is there that the people entered heartily

into the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles? Neh. 8:16,

17. How did they spend the seven days of this festival? Neh.

8:18.

The study of the Scriptures began on New Year's Day and

continued daily throughout the Feast of Tabernacles. It must

have been like a giant camp meeting, with the people living in

booths made from branches (tents) and attending services at

which priests and Levites read and explained the Word of the

Lord. Reoriented to the compass of God's Word, the families

of Israel—parents and children—were becoming a Bible-

centered people. Ezra and Nehemiah did not intend the people

to become worshipers of a book, but to be keen followers of

their Creator and Redeemer revealed therein. As Jesus later

said: "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and

they are life" (John 6:63). So the Word of God—studied and

assimilated—promotes vigorous spiritual life.

How can we obtain that hungering for God's Word that

Israel had under the guidance of Ezra and Nehemiah? How

can we help someone else love it?

Tuesday



November 30

REPENTANCE, CONFESSION, AND PRAISE (Neh. 9:1-6).

Two days after the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews separated

themselves from their pagan friends, donned sackcloth, and

appeared before the wooden platform that Ezra had used.

Here they wished to confess and repent of their sins. This

meeting was a special time for Israel to be alone with God.

Pagan friends would not have understood. And their pres-

ence would have distracted the people from their self-

examination and confession.

How was God's Word involved in this meeting? After

their study, what did the people do? Neh. 9:2, 3.

"Why confess the sins of their fathers? It is to be remem-

bered that this was a national gathering for national humilia-

tion, introductory to a better national life. In such an assembly

a review of the nation's sins would be very appropriate and

profitable. It recalled the great cause of past national suffer-

ing, and of present degradation and subjection. It brought

into light what must be avoided if better times were to arise. It

produced the personal conviction of participation in the sins

of those gone before, and the necessity of abandoning them. It

enhanced the feeling of the great forbearance and mercy of

God towards their nation."—"Homiletics," on

Nehemiah

1:1-3,

Pulpit Commentary (Chicago: Wilcox & Follett Company, n.d.),

vol. 15, p. 97.

Two groups of Levites were involved in this special serv-

ice. Describe what both groups did. Neh. 9:4, 5. Summarize

the content of the people's song. Verses 5, 6.

Since the first group of Levites are said to have "cried with

a loud voice unto the Lord," they may have closed the season

of public confession and prayer from the platform with prayer

while the people remained kneeling. When their praying ceased,

the second band of Levites called the people to stand and

praise the Lord in singing.

How do you express appreciation and gratitude for what

the Creator-Redeemer has done for you? What should par-

ticipation in congregational hymn singing mean to you?

Wednesday



December 1

RECALLING GOD'S GRACIOUS ACTS (Neh. 9:7-35).

Most commentators regard Ezra 9:7-35 as a prayer by Ezra

because in Nehemiah 9:6 the Septuagint (the Greek translation

of the Hebrew Bible) inserts the phrase "and Ezra said." Ellen

White writes that in these verses the leaders relate Israel's

history. (See

Prophets and Kings,

p. 666.) These verses are both

a historical recital and a prayer. Ezra 9:7-35 divides into the

following two parts.

Part 1:

Verses 7-25 describe how God guided in the forma-

tion of their nation. Recalling God's guidance in the past is a

healthy corrective against the self-centeredness of human na-

ture. Wrote Ellen White, "We have nothing to fear for the

future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led

us."—Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 31.

Verses 15-25 record God's blessing to Israel during the

Exodus and their 40 years in the wilderness. But it also lists

Israel's failures. Note below some of each.

"Throughout this miraculous pilgrimage, 'they lacked nothing'

. . . and appreciated nothing. . . . This part of their history ends

with an undeserved and unstinted inheritance, 'full of all

good things.' "—Kidner,

Ezra & Nehemiah,

p. 112.

Part 2:

Verses 26-35 focus on the judges, the monarchy, and

how Israel slew the prophets who sought to turn them back to

God (verses 26, 30). Verse 32 mentions that God permitted

Assyria to rule over the nation.

The Israelites did not blame God for their past. In clos-

ing, what did they admit and confess? Neh. 9:33.

Just as the rocky coastline continually throws back the

ocean's waves, so Israel had vigorously rejected the great

surges of divine love. The people to whom Ezra and Nehemiah

ministered were not present when their ancestors sinned, but,

without genuine repentance, the tendencies of their own lives

would have led them in the same direction.

What is wrong with your repentance and confession when

you blame God or others for your unfortunate condition?

Thursday



December 2

COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS RENEWED (Neh. 9:36-

10:29).

As the people ended their time of confession, they admit-

ted the despicable state of their nation. They were now serv-

ants in a land they once possessed.

What did the assembly determine to draw up and sign?

Neh. 9:36-38; 10:1. Summarize the document. Neh. 10:29.

Tirshatha

(Neh. 10:1) is a Persian loan-word meaning "gov-

ernor." Zidkijah was most likely Nehemiah's secretary. The

people were so determined to serve God that a simple oral

commitment would not suffice. They wanted to express the

intent of their sacred vow through a written document they

could sign. Eighty-four leading citizens attached their names

by seal. Twenty-one heads of priestly families (verses 2-8)

together with 17 heads of Levitical families (verses 9-13) signed

the covenant. The remaining 44 names belonged to heads of

important families.

How did the others signify their intention to enter into

this solemn covenant with God? Neh. 10:28, 29.

Wives and mature children (verse 28) participated with

the men in the oral oath and curse of their covenant, thus

making it a family affair as well as a national one.

"Nehemiah's efforts to restore the worship of the true God

had been crowned with success. As long as the people were

true to the oath they had taken, as long as they were obedient

to God's word, so long would the Lord fulfill His promise by

pouring rich blessings upon them. . . .

"Every true turning to the Lord brings abiding joy into the

life. When a sinner yields to the influence of the Holy Spirit,

he sees his own guilt and defilement in contrast with the

holiness of the great Searcher of hearts. . . . He may rejoice in

the sense of sins forgiven, in the love of a pardoning heavenly

Father."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 668.

If you were to recall your past life, what would it show

about your relationship to God? What are your priorities? If

you were to draw up a written covenant with God, what

would you include?

Friday



December 3

FURTHER STUDY:

What do the following verses say about

the necessity of confession and repentance? Prov. 28:13;

1 John 1:9; Luke 13:5; Acts 3:19. How willing is God to accept

our confession and repentance? Luke 15:11-24.

Read "Instructed in the Law of God" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 661-668.

"How mistaken are those who imagine that confession of

sin will detract from their dignity, and lessen their influence

among their fellow men. Clinging to this erroneous idea, though

seeing their faults, many fail to confess them, but rather pass

by the wrongs they have done others, so embittering their

own lives, and shadowing the lives of others. It will not hurt

your dignity to confess your sins. Away with this false dig-

nity. Fall on the Rock and be broken, and Christ will give you

the true and heavenly dignity. Let not pride, self-esteem, or

self-righteousness keep anyone from confessing his sin. . . .

Keep nothing back from God, and neglect not the confession

of your faults to your brethren."—Selected

Messages,

book 1,

pp. 326, 327.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

In the experience of spiritual renewal, how specific should

an individual's repentance, confession, and commitment

be?

In Nehemiah 9:5-37, the Jews listened reverently to a

recital of their history. How often do you recall the

Lord's leading in your life? In what major events or

decisions was He directly involved? Why is such an

exercise a helpful work of grace?

What value do you see in corporately admitting the

failures of our spiritual ancestors, confessing the sins

and tendencies of our lives, and entering into a new

covenant with God to live entirely for Him and to finish

the work He has committed to us?

SUMMARY:

All Israel participated in the special services of

the seventh month: New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement,

and the Feast of Tabernacles. At this time, several days of

intense Scripture study led to recalling Israel's historical ex-

perience. A revival resulted as people confessed their sins and

renewed their covenant with God. Prayerful study of the

Scriptures by today's church and putting away sinful prac-

tices will bring like results for us.

Lesson 11



December 5-11

Public Pledges

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Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Nehemiah 7:1-73; 10:30-

39; 11:1-36; 12:1-47; 13:1-31.

MEMORY TEXT: "We will not forsake the house of our

God" (Nehemiah 10:39).

KEY QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between a re-

vival and a reformation? Can a reformation succeed without

revival? Does a revival amount to anything without reform?

How can both be obtained and maintained?

REAL REFORM.

A 40-year-old woman declared to a well-

known counselor after a devastating experience and heart

attack, "My life has taken a 180-degree turn." She quit smok-

ing, joined a Weight Watchers Club, and lost 58 pounds. She

also limited her dietary intake of salt, fat, and cholesterol, and

adopted a daily exercise program. "For the first time in my

life," she wrote, "I know what good health is."

Unwittingly, this woman became a "reformer." She chose

to adopt certain reforms in her lifestyle. To her amazement

she has discovered a degree of health she never knew before.

Most persons shy away from the idea of "reform." To them

the word seems to fit a sickly asceticism that "enjoys" depre-

ciating the good life. In reality, the reforms that bring us

physically, mentally, or spiritually into harmony with God's

will always result in true happiness. As you study this week's

lesson, ask yourself how you can reform and renew your life.

Sunday



December 5

KEEPING OUR PROMISES TO GOD (Neh. 10:30-39).

Lesson 10 closed with Jewish leaders and people renewing

their covenant relationship with God. We will now study the

particular pledges made publicly on that solemn occasion.

List the first four pledges made in connection with the

oath to be loyal to God's will (verse 29). Neh. 10:30, 31.

These reforms in marriage practices, Sabbath observance,

land management, and business might seem to deny Judah

both wealth and happiness. But "peace is the reward of those

who love thy law," the psalmist affirms (Ps. 119:165, NEB).

"God does not require us to give up anything that it is for

our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-

being of His children in view. Would that all who have not

chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly

better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man

is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when

he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can

be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is

best and who plans for the good of His creatures."—Steps

Christ,

p. 46.

What provision did the leaders and people agree to make

for supporting the temple services, and how did they decide

to support the priests and Levites? Neh. 10:32-38.

This promise to pay temple expenses is a healthy sign of

growing spiritual maturity. As the ancient priests were sup-

ported by tithe, so are the church's pastors today. (See 1 Cor.

9:8-14.) Loyalty to the Lord and to His church involves bring-

ing "all the tithes into the storehouse" (Mal. 3:10).

Summarize the general promise that concluded the

assembly's covenant. Neh. 10:39.

To what extent are you shouldering the expenses of the

church? Can you truthfully say, "I will not forsake the house

of my God"?

Monday



December 6

REORGANIZATION OF CITY AND COMMUNITY

(Nehemiah 7, 11).

Describe the security arrangements Nehemiah made for

the temple and city. Neh. 7:1-3.

Nehemiah fully realized that prominent families had inter-

married with some of the nation's worst enemies (Neh. 6:17-

19). An appointee from such a family might turn traitor.

Nehemiah knew he could count on Hanani's loyalty.

Normally, gates were opened at sunrise and closed at sun-

set. But in their present state of insecurity, Nehemiah's order

seems to have meant: open late; close early. Furthermore,

selected civilians were organized into a security force so that

the city was always under guard.

Palace (verse 2).

This probably refers to the temple fortress

on the north side of the sacred area.

Every one in his watch (verse 3).

"The guards were di-

vided into watches, being on duty a certain number of hours

each day and during the night."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol.

3, p. 422.

What other problem did Nehemiah face, and how did he

solve it? Neh. 7:4, 5; 11:1, 2.

God's people who returned from Babylon chose to live

near their fields rather than among the ruins of Jerusalem. But

the restored defenses now gave the capital a future and a

function. The national administrators (Neh. 11:1), many from

the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (verse 4), numerous priestly

and Levitical families, as well as the porters and their families

(verses 10, 15, 19), volunteered to live in the city. Nehemiah

evidently used the old registry that Zerubbabel had drawn up

(Ezra 2:1-70) to estimate the current population, a tenth of

whom he now asked to resettle in the capital.

The names of Christians are written in the "registry" of

the New Jerusalem (see Heb. 12:22-24). What does that fact

mean to you personally (see Luke 10:20)? How may you

have the continuing assurance that your name is retained

there (see Rev. 3:5)?

Tuesday



December 7

PROVISIONS FOR TEMPLE WORSHIP (Neh. 12:1-26, 44-47;

13:1-3).

After the people dedicated themselves to the support of the

temple and its workers, Nehemiah established a system to

channel this support.

Priestly lists (Neh. 12:1-7, 12-21).

It is possible that he used

these lists as a basis upon which he could determine the

distribution of the tithe (see Neh. 10:38). Also, because the

lists have either 21 or 22 family names, he may have wanted

to arrange the priests in the 24 courses of service David had

established for the temple (see 1 Chron. 24:1-24; Luke 1:5).

How did the leaders carry out the provisions of the cov-

enant to support temple personnel? Neh. 12:44-47.

Technical aspects of the support system were now in place.

Next, personnel were appointed to oversee the storing and

distribution of tithes and offerings to be divided among the

priests, singers, and the porters of the temple gates.

What attempt was made to stand free from the surround-

ing pagan influences? Neh. 13:1-3. How can you reconcile

the command that the Ammonites and Moabites "should

not come into the congregation of God for ever" with God's

statement that His house shall be "an house of prayer for all

people" (Isa. 56:7)?

You will recall that the Israelites were intermarrying with

unconverted Ammonites and Moabites and that the children

of these marriages were forgetting the Jewish language and

thus were unable to read or understand Hebrew Scripture

(Neh. 13:23, 24). Yet, should any Ammonite or Moabite come

as a convert, as Ruth the Moabitess did, that person would

discover that God's house is indeed "an house of prayer for

all people."

Personal revival and reformation include separating one-

self from sin. This the Israelites did in separating them-

selves from the mixed multitude. To experience revival in

your spiritual life, from what sins do you need to separate

yourself? Ask God now to help you do so.

Wednesday



December 8

DEDICATION OF THE WALL (Neh. 12:27-43).

After you read Nehemiah 12:27, list words or phrases that

express or imply joy.

Reformation and revival lead to joy. The priests and Levites

gathered to purify themselves, the people, the gates, and the

walls. The ceremony symbolized the purifying of one's life

from sin—a needed step in any true reformation and revival.

Describe the great event that occurred next. Neh. 12:31-40.

Imagine being a member of the congregation that is observ-

ing the grand march of secular and ecclesiastical leaders.

Their lines along the wall encompass you as one group marches

in one direction while the other group marches in the oppo-

site direction. Over your head, musical fanfares pierce the air.

When the two groups meet on the eastern wall opposite the

temple, they descend into the temple courts, where they con-

tinue to praise the Lord and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving

(verses 40-43). What a difference from when the temple cor-

nerstone was laid more than 90 years earlier (Ezra 3:11-13)!

Compare Nehemiah 12:43 with 12:27. The passage de-

scribing the dedication ends as it began. Notice the words

and phrases in verse 43 that denote joy.

Does the joy in Nehemiah's Jerusalem seem strange? Per-

haps it is because we subscribe to the theory that the person

who acquires and succeeds is the happiest. But Nehemiah and

Paul knew that joy is

spiritual.

"'Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again

say, Rejoice' [Phil.

4:41. If we would guard our words, so that nothing but kind-

ness shall escape our lips, we will give evidence that we are

preparing to become members of the heavenly

family."—Medical

Ministry,

p. 213.

We usually dedicate lifeless objects, such as churches

and walls, only once. Why is it necessary for us continually

to rededicate ourselves?

Thursday



December 9

NEHEMIAH'S SECOND TERM (Neh. 13:1-31).

For 12 years Nehemiah governed the province of Judah

(Neh. 5:14; 13:6). But in Artaxerxes' 32nd year (433/432 B.C.),

he returned for a time to the royal court. In his absence, the

promises of the people tragically crumbled like ropes of sand.

When Nehemiah returned, he found unfaithfulness in four

different areas: (1) priestly behavior; (2) tithing; (3) Sabbath-

keeping; and (4) marriage.

Priestly behavior (Neh. 13:4-9).

In Nehemiah's absence

the high priest, Eliashib, provided living quarters in the temple

complex for the God-defying Ammonite, Tobiah.

Do you think Nehemiah's reaction to this situation was

justified? Why or why not? Neh. 13:8, 9.

Tithing (Neh. 13:10-13).

"While the guilt of profaning

the Temple lay especially with the priestly class, that of with-

holding the tithes was mainly chargeable to the rulers and

nobles. As the leaders they had apparently set a bad example

to the people, and were especially to be blamed for the de-

plorable conditions."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 450.

The tithes were important because the temple services

pointed to the Messiah. Without these services, the Jews

would be in greater danger of forgetting about His coming.

Sabbathkeeping (Neh. 13:15-22).

In verse 18, Nehemiah

reminds them that previous violations of the fourth com-

mandment resulted in the Babylon captivity. Compare Jer.

17:21-27; Eze. 22:8, 26; 23:38.

Marriage (Neh. 13:23-26).

Concerning mixed marriages,

Nehemiah refers the people to Solomon (verse 26), an ex-

ample "more likely than any other to move the Jews. What

the author of 1 Kings 11:3 had euphemistically referred to as

turning aside of the heart, Nehemiah bluntly and openly calls

'sin.'

"—SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 452.

Are there discrepancies in your life regarding any of these

four areas? If so, how can you experience a revival and

reformation? The Lord, through His Holy Spirit, invites and

will empower you to dedicate your all to Him.

Friday



December 10

FURTHER STUDY:

First Samuel 7:1-6 and 1 Kings 18:17-40

record instances of revival. What major elements are present

in these accounts that are similar to the revival account we

studied this week?

Read "Reformation,"

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 669-678.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

This week we learned about the importance of God's

tithe in supporting temple services. How is tithe just as

important today? In what ways are tithes and offerings a

sign of our loyalty to God?

Even after Jerusalem's walls were completed, God's people

still needed to guard against enemies. What enemies

does the church need to guard against today? What

enemies do you personally need to guard against? What

is our best defense?

SUMMARY:

Revival and reformation cannot be maintained

if faith is compromised. Apostasy in leadership quickly leads

to apostasy in the ranks. Individual renewal on a daily basis,

resulting in commitment to God and His will, is the only way

we can maintain a consistent, growing Christian life.

Thank you, faithful Sabbath School mission supporters!

A Thirteenth Sabbath Offering in 1982 for the develop-

ment of the Adventist University of Central Africa helped

to build this fine structure which houses the classroom

block and business offices.

The Africa-Indian Ocean Division needs your help again

December 18.

Lesson 12



December 12-18

Behind the Story

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 1:1; 9:8; 6:15-18;

Neh. 1:11; 8:1.

MEMORY TEXT: "The God of heaven, he will prosper

us; therefore we his servants will arise and build"

(Nehemiah 2:20).

KEY QUESTION:

"What experience and history teach is

this—that people and governments never have learned any-

thing from history, or acted on principles deduced from it"

(Georg Hegel). While this may be true of secular history, it

need not be true of sacred history. What truths may we learn

from the accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah?

LIFE SUPPORT.

In 1986 Jacqueline Cole suffered a mas-

sive stroke. For 41 days, life-support systems kept her alive.

Her prognosis? "A persistent vegetative state." Mrs. Cole's

husband requested the removal of all life supports. But a

judge refused. Six days later Mrs. Cole awoke! Now, after

four years, she is almost fully recovered.

The "stroke" of sin rendered the Jews unconscious to God's

love. But because He is merciful, He granted them a reprieve.

The accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah do not merely inform us

about Jewish history. They also awaken in us a deeper under-

standing of the God we love and worship. Behind the history

are truths about God that are important to modern Christians

and the spiritual challenges we face.

Sunday



December 12

GOD'S ACTIVE PRESENCE (Ezra

1:1).

Today, millions of persons deny the existence of God as the

Bible reveals Him. Even many Christians entertain false views

about Him. But not Ezra and Nehemiah. Their inspired records

breathe His very presence as they trace His guidance in behalf

of Judah.

How did Ezra and Nehemiah interpret the favor shown to

the Jews by the Persian kings? Ezra 1:1; 6:22;

7:27,

28. In

their activities for Judah, of what were Ezra and Nehemiah

conscious? Ezra

5:5;

Neh. 2:8 (compare Ezra

7:6, 9, 28; 8:18,

22,

31; Neh. 2:18).

While in the midst of tragedy we may cry out, "Where is

God?" the Scriptures disclose a Deity who is not forgetful of

His people or His promises. This is one of the first truths we

learn from the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Discernment and inward conviction.

Neither Ezra nor

Nehemiah viewed the events of their lives as subject to chance.

The eye of their God was upon them, and they affirmed that

the hand of the Lord was likewise upon them. This they knew

because of an inward conviction by the Holy Spirit, and espe-

cially by their discernment of God's providences in opening

doors, in resolving overwhelming difficulties, and in deliver-

ing them from their enemies. Their spiritual insight was quick

to recognize God's leading in the events that favored Judah's

restoration.

What do these historical books teach about the union of

divine and human effort to accomplish God's mission? Neh.

2:18, 20; 4:9, 17, 20 (compare Matt. 28:18, 19).

"All heaven is waiting for men and women through whom

God can reveal the power of Christianity. The church is God's

agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to

do a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all

His commandments, there will dwell within her the excel-

lency of divine grace."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 600.

As a

Christian, how can you develop and maintain

sense of God's presence

in your life? Ps. 16:8; Heb. 11:27.

Monday



December 13

GOD'S REMNANT PEOPLE (Ezra 9:8).

In Ezra 9:2, 8, the words

seed

and

remnant

describe those

who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. The "rem-

nant" was as small as a seed compared to the number of

people who could have returned. Less than 50,000 returned in

the first migration and scarcely a sixth of that figure in the

second.

What inspired policy was essential to the remnant if it

was to succeed in its mission? Ezra 4:3; 10:2, 3, 19; Neh.

10:30; 13:3, 30. What counsel does the New Testament give

regarding this same problem? 2 Cor. 6:14-18.

The true remnant in Israel was always those who placed

their trust in God and lived in harmony with His will. Such a

people were not only small in numbers, but at God's direc-

tion, separate from the world lest godless cultures engulf

them. The concept of separateness commits God's people to

watchfulness and an unending struggle. Worldly philosophies

and evils always pressured Israel (as they do the church to-

day) and at times succeeded in penetrating her defenses and

marring her spiritual purity.

"There is constant danger that professing Christians will

come to think that in order to have influence with woridlings,

they must to a certain extent conform to the world. But though

such a course may appear to afford great advantages, it al-

ways ends in spiritual

loss."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 570.

Related to the word

remnant

is the word

reform.

Into what

reforms did Ezra and Nehemiah lead the remnant of Israel?

Neh. 10:30-39; 13:15-22; 5:7-12. On what does the end-time

"remnant" base its reforms? Rev. 12:17.

"God's remnant people, standing before the world as re-

formers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of

all enduring

reform."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 678.

a member of the end-time remnant, how can you be

separate from the world, yet function as "the salt of the

earth" (Matt. 5:13)? How did Jesus mingle with sinners (Luke

19:7) and yet remain separate from them?

Tuesday



December 14

GOD'S RESTORED WORSHIP (Ezra 6:15, 16).

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah emphasize rebuilding the

temple and restoring its worship services.

Why was temple worship so essential to Israel that the

altar of burnt offering was functioning within a few weeks

after the first group of immigrants arrived in Jerusalem?

Ezra 3:1-3.

The sacrifices offered in the temple pointed clearly to Jesus,

the Messiah about whom Israel was to tell the world. The

temple "provided the means of grace whereby Israel could

continue to be kept in the bond of [the] covenant. . . . Through

the sanctuary cultus mercy could be obtained for the truly

repentant. Here the confessing Israelite could receive forgive-

ness of sin and release from his guilt. The blessings of the

covenant could be retained, and spiritual growth—restoring

the image of God in his life—could continue."—Frank B.

Holbrook, "The Israelite Sanctuary,"

The Sanctuary and the

Atonement,

A. V. Wallenkampf and W. R. Lesher, eds. (Gen-

eral Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 1981), p. 13.

One of the striking features of Ezra and Nehemiah is the

record of the festivals and dedications in which the people

participated. (Review Ezra 3:4, 10; 6:15-17, 19-22; Neh. 8:2, 9,

10, 14-17; 12:27.)

What would you say was the purpose of the festivals and

dedications? Why is the worship of God important? What

has the Lord asked Christians to remember? Ex. 20:8-11;

1 Cor. 11:24, 25; Rev. 14:6, 7.

The Sabbath and the Lord's Supper prompt us to "remem-

ber" who the Lord is, what He has done for us, and what He

will do for us in the future. Remembering and praising our

God keeps us resting in peace upon His gracious promises.

Analyze how you personally observe the Sabbath and the

Lord's Supper. What basic principles should govern the

manner in which we observe these special occasions foi

worship? How can you make them occasions of praise and

joy for yourself, your family, and your friends?

Wednesday



December 15

GOD'S RESPONSE TO PRAYER (Neh. 1:11).

We have seen how the active presence of God pervades the

books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Today we will study how these

records are filled with earnest prayers and God's gracious

answers.

Describe intercessory prayer. How do we limit a favor-

able answer to this kind of prayer? What examples of inter-

cessory prayer do we read in Ezra and Nehemiah? Ezra 9:5-

15; Neh. 1:4-11.

Scripture teaches us that we should pray one for another

(Job 42:10; Matt. 5:44; James 5:13-16). Such prayer better en-

ables the Holy Spirit to move upon the hearts of those we pray

for, although God will not violate the will of any person.

Moses and other prophets are known for their intercessions in

behalf of their people. Jesus' great prayer of intercession in-

cluded the apostles and all Christians down to the end of time

(John 17). Prayer changes things, and Ezra was privileged to

see an immediate response in the penitential tears of his people

and their determination to correct their behavior (Ezra 10:1-4).

Review the types of prayer request in Ezra and Nehemiah.

What are some things these requests teach us about prayer?

Which parts of these prayers can you adapt to your life? (1)

Ezra 8:21-23, 31; (2) Neh. 1:11; (3) Neh. 4:9; (4) Neh. 6:9; (5)

Neh. 13:29; (6) Neh. 13:14.

"There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to

offer up a petition to God. . . . In the crowds of the street, in

the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a peti-

tion to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah

when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of

communion may be found wherever we are."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 99.

It is evident that Ezra and Nehemiah lived in an at-

mosphere of prayer. What can you do this week to obtain

a reverent-but-intimate acquaintance with your heavenly

Father and with Jesus, your Saviour and Redeemer? How

can you adjust your daily program so that you and your

family have more time for communion with God?

Thursday



December 16

GOD'S WRITTEN WORD (Neh. 8:1).

A major source of spiritual life is the Word of God studied

under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures played a

central role in the revival and reformation of the "remnant" of

Israel in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. And they are central

to that experience for the remnant today. The life of Christ,

our Redeemer, is in His Word.

Whom did the Jews recognize as speaking to them in the

written "law of Moses"—the Scriptures? Ezra 7:6; Neh. 8:1.

Although the people recognized that Moses was God's

penman, it was Yahweh who "had commanded" or "ordered"

His people through the prophet (Neh. 8:1). It was one of

Israel's greatest privileges to be entrusted with the written

Scriptures (Rom. 3:1, 2).

What evidence is there that the people hungered to hear

the Word of God preached and explained? Neh. 8:1, 2, 13, 18

(compare Matt. 5:6).

Four characteristics of Israel's remnant stand out in these

accounts: (1)

Their smallness.

Theirs was not a popular cause

even among their fellow Jews, the majority of whom chose to

remain in their adopted lands.

(2) Their separateness.

They

knew that compromising their faith would extinguish their

witness.

(3) The Scriptures.

They accepted the Bible as their

rule of faith and practice.

(4) Their success.

Repentance, evi-

denced in obedience (active faith), resulted in reformation,

revival, and a successful building program.

From this point on, the Jews became a "people of the

Book." But they overlooked Christ—the Book's central fo-

cus (John 5:39, 40). How can you become knowledgeable in

God's Word, yet have more than a mere theory of truth?

"Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of

no avail. . . . One may be familiar with the commands and

promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the

truth home, the character will not be transformed."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 408.

Friday



December 17

FURTHER STUDY:

This week we studied how beneficial it

was for the Israelites to remember their history. The psalmist

also was aware of this benefit. Read Psalm 105. Write a short

psalm of your own, recounting how the Lord has guided in

your life and what Jesus means to you.

Read "God's Presence a Reality" in

Testimonies,

vol. 5, pp.

651-654; "The Scriptures a Safeguard" in

The Great Contro-

versy,

pp. 593-602.

The value of remembering.

"The plan of salvation is glori-

fied before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and

sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb

will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-

worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory

the scenes of Calvary."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 661.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How would you summarize the truths we can learn from

the books of Ezra and Nehemiah? In what way can you

share these truths with a neighbor, family member, or

friend?

God's law was the basis of revival and reformation for

the Israelites who returned from Babylon captivity. In

what way does God's law serve as the basis of revival

and reformation in your personal life? Can one experi-

ence these without following God's law?

SUMMARY:

When we look behind Ezra's and Nehemiah's

recital of historical facts, we see God, actively present with

His people. In spite of the tendency for Israel's remnant to

stray, God's eye was upon them, and His providences opened

doors that enabled them to restore His worship. He gra-

ciously heard their prayers and sought to edify them through

the Scriptures, His revealed will.

All systems are still "Go" in God's plan to revive, restore,

and enable His present-day remnant to fulfill His redemptive

plan through Jesus Christ.

Lesson 13



December 19-25

There Shines a Star

mmi

yrr

ir.

liahnity

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ezra 7:1-26; Dan. 9:24-

27.

MEMORY TEXT: "I shall see him, but not now: I shall

behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of

Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel" (Numbers

24:17).

KEY QUESTIONS: What is the purpose of Bible proph-

ecy? What is its practical value for the believer?

THE CHRISTIAN'S TELESCOPE. On April 25, 1990, the

space shuttle

Discovery

released the Hubble telescope to begin

a 15-year study of the stars. When fully functional, this great-

est of all telescopes could transmit data equivalent to a 30-

volume encyclopedia in 42 minutes!

Christians also have a great telescope—the telescope of

Bible prophecy, which focuses on the Star of Jacob "of whom

Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write" (John 1:45).

And just as the space shuttle launched the Hubble telescope,

so God chose Israel to proclaim His prophecies concerning

the Messiah. As a student of Moses' law (Ezra 7:6, 10), Ezra

no doubt peered through the prophetic telescope many times

to discern Israel's exact role. This week we will peer through

this telescope to study the prophecies that inspired the re-

building of Jerusalem. Look for similarities between Israel's

role in announcing the Messiah's first coming and the role of

the Christian church in announcing His second.

Sunday



December 19

PATRIARCHAL EXPECTATIONS (Gen. 3:15).

In Genesis 3:15 we find one of the earliest prophecies avail-

able to Ezra and to us.

Write in your own words the meaning of this prophecy

that brought courage to the sorrowing hearts of Adam and

Eve. Who would be the ultimate Seed of the woman? Rev.

12:1-5; Gal. 4:4.

"Adam and Eve stood as criminals before the righteous

Judge, awaiting the sentence which transgression had incurred;

but before they heard of the life of toil and sorrow which

must be their portion, or of the decree that they must return

to dust, they listened to words that could not fail to give them

hope. Though they must suffer from the power of their mighty

foe, they could look forward to final

victory."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

p. 66.

On his way to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, how did

Abraham answer Isaac's question about the absence of a

sacrificial animal? Gen. 22:8. According to Jesus, what did

Abraham see symbolized in the ram he offered in the place

of Isaac? Gen. 22:13; compare John 8:56.

In the bleeding ram, dying in Isaac's place, he understood

with gratitude the reality of the future Saviour's atoning death.

"Light was shed upon the mystery of redemption, and even the

angels understood more clearly the wonderful provision that

God had made for man's salvation."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 155.

According to the books of Moses (which Ezra diligently

taught the people) the Saviour would also be a peace giver

who would rule in the royal line of Judah (Gen. 49:8-11) and a

prophet who would be God's spokesperson (Deut. 18:15-18).

The patriarchs lived by hope (Rom. 8:24, 25). They could

not look back to Calvary; their prophetic telescope fixed on

a Star that seemed light-years away (Heb. 11:13). As you

look forward to Christ's second coming, how can you keep

your hope bright and meaningful?

Monday



December 20

LIGHT IN THE SHADOWS (Lev. 17:11, 14; John 1:29).

From

his study of the books of Moses, Ezra learned that

God established the sacrifices as a means to teach His people

about the nature of sin and about the coming Redeemer.

What was the significance of the sacrificial blood by which

the priests made atonement for sin? Lev. 17:11, 14; John 1:29;

Heb. 9:13, 14.

Since the blood literally and symbolically stood for the life,

shed blood represented a "life given." The sacrificial animal,

as it were, laid down its life for another: substitution. But

since it was "not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats

should take away sins" (Heb. 10:4), we know that these sacri-

fices foreshadowed the Saviour and His atoning death for the

sins of the world (Dan. 9:24; Heb. 9:26). God forgave the

patriarchs, the Israelites, and all others on the basis of their

faith in the promised Redeemer.

"Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach

this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of

Christ alone there is forgiveness of

sins."—Selected Messages,

book 1, p. 107.

What did the Israelites learn during the years they lived

in the wilderness? Heb. 4:1, 2. What did the sanctuary insti-

tution foreshadow? Heb. 8:4, 5; 9:24; Col. 2:13-17.

The New Testament plainly states that Israel learned the

same saving gospel before the advent of the Messiah as Chris-

tians learn today. This fact points to the Israelite sanctuary of

symbols and types as God's visual aid to teach His saving

truths during the pre-Christian ages. The sacrifices and priestly

ministry foreshadowed the Redeemer's atoning death and

priestly ministration of His merits in the heavenly sanctuary.

In this sense, the shadow-types were a kind of prophecy that

focused the faith of the believer on the coming Saviour.

The visible symbols and rituals of the sacrificial system

helped to make the truths of the gospel real. How can the

saving truths of the gospel be a reality to us, who worshif

without a visual sacrificial system?

Tuesday



December 21

PROPHETIC PORTRAYALS (Isa. 53:1-12).

With the development of the monarchy and the dividing of

the nation into northern and southern kingdoms came the

period of the major and minor prophets. Their combined

oracles compose a colorful portrait of the coming Redeemer.

According to Micah, one of the earliest prophets, where

would the Messiah be born? Micah 5:2; compare Luke 2:1-

11.

Isaiah, a contemporary of Micah, is called the gospel

prophet because of his Messianic predictions. Summarize

the roles he attributes to the Messiah. Isa. 9:6, 7.

"The names [of the Messiah] begin in the past, advance to

the present, and end in the far future. They first bespeak our

reverence and awe, the foundations of religious feeling. They

then call forth our trust, showing Christ to us all-wise, al-

mighty. They end by eliciting our love towards him as a

protecting 'Father,' who will at last conduct us to perfect

peace."—Homiletics on Isaiah 9:6,

Pulpit Commentary,

vol. 23,

p. 171.

The most detailed of all Messianic portrayals is Isaiah

52:13-53:12. What two roles in the plan of salvation does

this passage ascribe to the Messiah?

Isaiah 53 is referred to several times in the New Testament

(Matt. 8:17; John 12:38; 1 Peter 2:23-25, etc.).

"God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but

from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with

scripture. Had Israel laid by their prejudice and compared

written prophecy with the facts characterizing the life of Jesus,

they would have perceived a beautiful harmony between the

prophecies and their fulfillment in the life and ministry of the

lowly Galilean."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 458.

Ezra learned much about the coming Saviour from his

study of Scripture. What does God design for you to learn

from Bible prophecy, since so much of Scripture is written

in this form? (See John 14:29.)

Wednesday



December 22

"FULLNESS OF TIME" (Ezra 7:1-26; Dan. 9:24-27).

Ezra 7 establishes the date for "the going forth of the com-

mandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" as 457 B.C.

(Compare Ezra 6:14.) It was not until God's people were in

the closing years of their captivity that God disclosed the

actual time of the Messiah's appearing in one of the most

remarkable prophecies of Scripture.

What period of time did Gabriel inform Daniel would be

allotted to Israel to accomplish certain objectives? Dan. 9:24.

What were those objectives?

All Bible scholars are agreed that the time period of 70

weeks cannot be taken as literal time (approximately one

year, four months, and two weeks). In context, a period of less

than a year and one half would make no sense. Since the

vision of Daniel 9 is in reality a continuation of the symbolic

vision of Daniel 8 (see 9:21-23; 8:16, 17, 27), it is appropriate to

apply the year-day principle that is implicit here. A day in

symbolic prophecy represents a literal year (see Num. 14:34;

Eze. 4:6). A period of 490 years (70 weeks x 7 days per week =

490 days = 490 years) was thus allotted to the Jews.

This could have been Israel's finest hour because it in-

volved the coming of the long awaited, long hoped-for Mes-

siah, who was to come through the line of Abraham, Judah,

and David (Rom. 9:4, 5).

When would the Messiah make His appearance? Dan.

9:25. Review lesson 5, Thursday's lesson. What happened in

A.D. 27 in Judah? Luke 3:1, 2, 15, 21, 22. How did Jesus

regard this Messianic time prophecy of Daniel? Mark 1:14,

15.

What would happen to the Messiah in the midst of the

last prophetic week of the prophecy? Dan. 9:26 (first part),

27; Matt. 27:50, 51.

Why was the Daniel 9 prophecy so important to the Jews

at that point in their history? Why is it important to us? Are

you able to explain it to someone who doesn't understand it

or who has little faith in such matters?

Thursday



December 23

THE SILENT YEARS (Mal. 3:1; 4:5).

Malachi prophesied either just before Nehemiah's second

term as governor or shortly after his second term began.

Whom did Malachi foretell would bring a reformation in

Israel to prepare for the Messiah's advent? Mal. 3:1; 4:5, 6.

How were these prophecies fulfilled? Luke 1:13-17.

Chronologically, the books Ezra-Nehemiah and Malachi

close the Old Testament. Approximately four centuries elapsed

between them and the New Testament. During this time there

developed a complex body of traditions and interpretations

that obscured the truths of revelation.

A little less than 100 years after Nehemiah, the Persian

Empire fell to Grecia and its king, Alexander the Great (331

B.C.). He determined to fuse the East and West through Greek

civilization—a process called

hellenization.

This process caused

division and confusion in Judah. The Jewish sects known as

the Pharisees, Essenes, and Sadducees developed as reactions

against Greek culture.

In the name of hellenization, Antiochus IV Epiphanes at-

tempted to obliterate the Jewish faith in 168 B.C. by closing

the temple and ordering the Jews to sacrifice pigs to the Greek

gods Zeus and Dionysus. He also forbade circumcision and

Sabbath observance. Such oppression led to armed revolt by

the Hasmonaeans, better known as the Maccabeans, after Ju-

das Maccabaeus, who took this surname when he assumed

leadership of the rebellion. By 141 B.C., the Jewish state had

become politically independent.

However, internal strife eventually opened the door to Ro-

man expansion. In 63 B.C. the Roman general Pompey suc-

ceeded in conquering Judah and Jerusalem, annexing them to

the Roman state. In 40 B.C. the Roman senate voted Herod

ruler of Judah. With the arms of Roman legions, it took Herod

("Herod the Great") three years to suppress the Jews. Jesus

was born in the closing years of this despot's reign (Matt. 2:1).

Thus God would speak again to His people, not through

prophet, priest, or ruler, but through His Son (Heb. 1:1, 2). For

a more detailed exposition, see "The Period Between the Tes-

taments,"

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 5, pp. 17-43.

What is it about Christ that attracts you to Him? How can

you attract your neighbors to Him?

Friday



December 24

FURTHER STUDY:

Through a study of Scripture, Ezra learned

about the First Advent and Israel's role regarding it. Review

the following scriptures concerning the Second Advent and

the part we play regarding it: Matt. 24:5-31; 28:19, 20; Rev.

14:6-12.

Read "The Coming of a Deliverer" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 681-702, and the last half of "The Remnant and Its Mis-

sion"

in Seventh-day Adventists Believe,

pp. 163-168.

"While the angels hold the four winds, we are to work with

all our capabilities. We must bear our message without any

delay. We must give evidence to the heavenly universe, and

to men in this degenerate age, that our religion is a faith and a

power of which Christ is the Author and His word the divine

oracle. . . . There are souls ready to perish because of the

theoretical errors which are prevailing, and which are calcu-

lated to counterwork the gospel message. Who will now fully

consecrate themselves to become laborers together with God?"

—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 21.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How would you personally answer the question in the

last sentence of the above paragraph?

How did the prophecy in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 affect an

Ethiopian official in the days of the apostles? Acts 8:26-

39. Can you share with your Sabbath School class how

these verses affect you?

SUMMARY:

Bible prophecy gives the believer confidence

that God is in control of the affairs of this earth and is work-

ing out His plan toward a glorious triumph. Rightly under-

stood, it keeps our focus on the Saviour, our Star of hope.

Lessons for First Quarter, 1994

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of

the adult Sabbath School lessons for the first quarter of 1994

will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two

lessons. The title of the series is

So Send I You.

This quarter's

lessons discuss soul winning.

First Lesson: What Did Jesus Teach About Mission?

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY:

John 4:34-38; Luke 15:1-

24.

MEMORY TEXT:

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be

unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you"

(John 20:21).

KEY THOUGHT:

God has commissioned human beings to

share the good news of His saving love.

Second Lesson: Who Are Christ's Disciples?

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY:

1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rom. 9:24-

26; 12:3-8; Heb. 8:10-13; Mark 3:31-35.

MEMORY TEXT:

"To him who loves us and has freed us

from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests

to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for

ever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 1:5, 6, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Christ's disciples are all those who, be-

cause they believe in Him, are willing to do whatever He

asks. All have the same spiritual privileges and the same

basic mission.

Lessons in Braille

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free

each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and

physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal ink

print. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, mul-

tiple sclerosis, paralysis, accident, old age, and so forth, cannot

hold or focus on normal ink-print publications. Contact the

Christian Record Services, Box 6097, Lincoln NE 68506.

The New Easy English Sabbath School Quarterly

Language

need not be

a barrier to

your study

of God's

Word.

he new Easy English

Adult Sabbath School

Lesson quarterly is spe-

cially prepared for those

who are deaf or whose first

language is not English. The content is written in an easy-to-under-

stand manner and printed in large type.

Don't let language be a barrier. The Easy English quarterly will

help you gain the beauty, power, and presence of God from the pages

of the Bible—in words that are easily understood.

Single copies—US$6.25; one year—US$13.85.

(Quarterlies are also available in Samoan, Spanish, Czech, Ukrainian,

and Russian.)

To order, see your church personal ministries

secretary, visit your local ABC, or call 1-800-765-6955.

Truth Uncovered

The Bible is basically a collection of fairy tales. At least

that was the verdict handed down by scholarly "higher

critics" toward the end of the early 1800s.

Their allegations soon evaporated into desert air as new

archaeological discoveries validated the biblical record.

Treasures in the Sand,

by Orley Berg, unearths the hidden

treasures that amazed archaeologists then and will fascinate

readers today. If your faith in Scripture needs firming, you'll

find rock-solid evidence for your beliefs in these once-buried

treasures in the sand.

US$11.95/Cdn$14.95. Paper.

To order, call toll free 1-800-765-6955,

or visit your local ABC.

t•D Pacific Press Publishing Association 2616

SAHEL

UNION

ISSION

MAURITANIA

CENTRAL

FRICAN

UNION

MISSION

SIERRA

LEONE

NtOERIA

tiSFRu



CAW OON

WEST AFRICAN

UNION MISSION ---

SAO TOME & °

PRINCIPE

ZAIRE

zAIRE

UNION

tiissio

v N

SEYCHELLES

ISSION

ISLANDS

URUNDI

COMOROS

MAOAG •CAR

RODRIGUES p

SAAURMUS

PORT LEWIS

SAINT DENIS P

REUNION

(FRANCE)

INDIAN OCEAN

UNION MISSION

Unions



Churches Membership Populailon

Central African

617

57 536



23,000,000

Indian Ocean

212

36,898



14,788,600

Nigeria

479

102258 122,500,270

Rwanda

756

255,534



7,500,000

Sahel

7,460



65,300,000

West African

496

171,130



23,500,000

Zaire

984

249,799



37,800,000

Burundi Mission

101

34,504



5,800,000

Totals June 30, 1992

3,693

915,119 300,588,870

Projects:

A clinic and four mini

evangelistic centers in

unentered areas in Zaire.

A seminary and secondary

school in Burundi; fifty-two

lamb shelters (also to be used

for evangelistic centers) in

unentered area of Burundi.